Italy, Bolzano

In the northern part of the Italian Autonomous Region of Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano is located with the capital of the same name. In the past centuries it was considered the center of trade, and today it is rightly called a city of leisure, culture and art. In addition to many attractions, Bolzano is rich in picturesque landscapes. The city was given the name "gateway to the Dolomites": in fact, the settlement, located in a beautiful alpine valley above sea level at 265 m, is surrounded by an array of peaks of the Dolomites. This neighborhood could not help developing the ski resort in the area. The history of one of the most interesting cities in Italy - Bolzano is quite rich, that could not find its reflection in the present. For example, here you can hear several languages ​​- Italian and German, even Romansh. Even the inscriptions in the city are presented in two languages. By the way, the autonomous region is also called South Tyrol. We will tell you what to see in Bolzano and how to spend time there with profit.

Bolzano: attractions

When you get to the city, you find yourself in a special atmosphere, where modernity harmoniously coexists with medieval antiquity with Tyrolean coloring. Especially it is felt in its central part, which is a historical center. Sightseeing should start from Piazza Walter, where many monuments of architecture are concentrated: the statue of the German composer and poet Vogelveide, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. The latter, built in the 12th-13th century in the Gothic style, is noteworthy for the mosaic roof and the bell tower, about 65 m high. Nearby is the Dominican church, also built in the Gothic style. It is famous for the altar, which was decorated by the Italian painter Guercino, and frescoes of the 14th and 16th centuries.

Bolzano locks are world famous. Some of them are in the city, others - in the surrounding area. On the outskirts of Bolzano, among the ancient vineyards, you can see Mareč Castle, or Marečcio, with a rather modest exterior. Its construction began in the 12th century. Some halls of the castle are decorated with frescoes on a biblical theme. Far from the city on the mountain rises the medieval castle Runkelstein, which now houses a historic museum and a luxury restaurant. The construction of Firmiano is a spacious castle, the first mention of which dates back to 945. He has a fairly extensive system of fortifications. Now here is the department of the Mining Museum Messner.

Bolzano, Italy: ski resort

We recommend to come to Bolzano in winter, and not only in the warm season. Close proximity to the mountain chain of the Dolomites could not help but promote the development of skiing in the province of Bolzano. True, not in the capital of the autonomy, but in neighboring settlements, for example, Koehlern-Kolle, Vall di Fiemme, Vall di Fassa, where bus and railroad tracks lead from the city. It is convenient to take walks in the picturesque Alpine valleys thanks to the three cable cars. Many prefer these Italian Alps, as the weather in the outskirts of Bolzano, surrounded by mountain ranges, is softer and warm: even in winter there are rarely frosts here.

As for how to get to Bolzano, then there are many options. If you are in some other Italian city, it is convenient to come here by train. You can get to the buses Fly Ski Shuttle from the airports of Verona or Venice . By car in Bolzano, take the A22 Brennero - Modena motorway. Its airport in Bolzano is not. The nearest ones are in Verona (115 km), Trieste (180 km), Venice (132 km) and Innsbruck (90 km).