If you're looking for a guide on what to see in Bolzano, perhaps over a weekend, you're in the right place.
Whether you want to discover its culture, take a walk through the historic center, visit its churches and museums, the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige won't disappoint you, as its attractions are very diverse. Here we will show you twelve, hoping to be helpful.
See Bolzano's Historic Center
The city's historic center is one of the most sought-after destinations for visitors to Trentino who prefer a trip focused on urban and city aspects.
The first stop we recommend is Walther Square, the largest in Bolzano. It is named (after several name changes) after Walther von der Vogelweide, a distinguished medieval poet who wrote in German.
Right in the center of the square stands a white marble statue dedicated to him: if you want to feel like a true Bolzano local, you can call it by the nickname “Il Walther.”
Among other squares, we highlight Herbs Square. This space hosts a large and colorful fruit and vegetable market all week except weekends, where you can also find baked goods, cold cuts, and flowers.
This market is so vibrant it even impressed the German writer Goethe, who traveled to Bolzano in the eighteenth century.
In Herbs Square you can also admire a fountain dedicated to the god Neptune, decorated with shells and dolphins, where you can quench your thirst.
Christmas Markets in Bolzano's Squares
In December and January, from the first week of Advent until Epiphany, Walther Square and the smaller squares nearby are filled with the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine. Lights and artworks inspired by Advent enliven the city center.
It isthemagic of the Christmas market in Bolzano, the largest in Italy , featuring about eighty Christmas stalls where you can find everything: expertly hand-decorated baubles, straw stars, wooden figurines, local food and wine products likeSchüttelbrot Via dei Portici and Via dei Bottai.
The Portici are the
beating heartof Bolzano and the city's shopping street. The trendiest shops and boutiques in the center are here, housed in ancient buildings adorned with late Gothic facades. Via dei Bottai
, near the aforementioned Walther Square, was the medieval center of viticulture and wine trade, which sustained the entire city of Bolzano. Itswrought iron signs alternate with characteristic inns such as Cavallino Bianco and Ca’ de Bezzi. Walking north, you may come across the Natural Science Museum, which we will discuss later. Bolzano Cathedral and the Small Scrovegni Chapel
In the historic center is also the
Cathedral of Maria Assunta with its sandstone spire standing 65 meters tall: pure Gothic beauty. A few steps away is the Dominican Church which houses a miniature version of the Scrovegni Chapel, decorated as the Giotto school dictates. Bolzano's Museums
The city is home to numerous museums dedicated to the local nature and culture.
The
Bolzano Civic Museum holds a rich historical and artistic collection, the most important in all of South Tyrol: medieval works including Gothic altars, Madonnas, and crucifixes. Here you can also access a folk art section dedicated to local costumes and masks, as well as houses a rich historical and artistic collection, the most important in the entire South Tyrol: medieval works including Gothic altars, Madonnas, and crucifixes. Here you can also access a section of folk art dedicated to local costumes and masks, as well as to the — carved wooden works of which very few examples remain. A visit to the
South Tyrol Archaeological Museum means retracing the entire history of the Bolzano province, from the Paleolithic to Carolingian rule. It is one of the most popular attractions for one fascinating reason: here rests, with its original gear, means retracing the entire history of the province of Bolzano, from the Paleolithic to the Carolingian rule. It is one of the most popular attractions for a single fascinating reason: here rests, with his original equipment, , the ancient mummy also known as the “Iceman.[activecampaign form=22 css=1] In the former residence of Emperor Maximilian I, on Via dei Bottai, is the
South Tyrol Museum of Natural Sciences
. It organizes traveling exhibitions and, thanks to its marine aquarium, it is one of the recommended destinations for families with children. Among other things, this is the ideal place if you are interested in the history of the South Tyrolean landscape and the Dolomites. Those intrigued by contemporary art should visit the Museion, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
in Bolzano. The building was designed by the Berlin architecture firm Krüger Schuberth Vandreike and is based on the blend of various artistic expressions at local and international levels. Here you will find not only architectural works but also cinematic, theatrical, and performance art. The Spring Valley: Experiencing Nature in Bolzano
At the end of winter in Bolzano, the first spring flowers.
begin to bloom: violets, primroses, bellflowers, and snowdrops. You can go see and photograph them in the Spring Valley, between Lake Monticolo and Lake Caldaro.
This flat area is crossed by the Angelbach Riverand is therefore a recommended destination for families and children.
Two notes: in the protected area, cycling is not allowed and, above all, it isforbidden to pick the flowers. It is an ecosystem that must be protected and respected.
You will find more information about things to see in Bolzano and its province by signing up for Meetersand participating in its events that bring together people from the same area in the name of shared experiences and interests. Visiting Italian cities in company has never been so fun.
You will find more information about things to see in Bolzano and its province by signing up for Meeters and participating in its events that bring together people from the same area in the name of shared experiences and interests. Visiting Italian cities in company has never been so much fun.