Bolzano historic centre

Explore Bolzano on your own or take part in a guided tour of the city.

The arcades are the heart of the city and are among the most popular and most visited places in Bolzano. The arcades are ideal for strolling around and shopping, because the traditional houses with their beautiful façades contain elegant shops and boutiques. The inviting shop-windows present a large selection of tempting goods. The arcades are better than any department store! A particular highlight are the two old pharmacies “Madonna” and “Aquila Nera”.

Piazza Walther is the largest and most important Piazza in the town. It is also often called the “front room” of the city. The Piazza underwent several name changes: It was built in 1808 by order of King Maximilian of Bavaria and bore his name. Later, it was named “Johannesplatz” after the Archduke Johann of Austria. In 1901 the Piazza was dedicated to the most important medieval poet and renowned minstrel, Walther von der Vogelweide. When South Tyrol became part of Italy the Piazza was named after the Italian king Viktor Emanuel III. After WW II the name of the Piazza reverted to Walther von der Vogelweide. In the centre of the Piazza resides “Walther”, as the inhabitants of Bolzano lovingly call the monument. It is made from Lasa marble and was created by sculptor Heinrich Natter from Val Venosta in 1889 in Neo-Romanesque style.

In the historic centre of the town is the fruit market. In 1786 when Goethe stopped off in Bolzano on route to Italy he was already impressed by the colourful fruit market. The vibrant market stalls offer fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, flowers, cheese, Speck cured ham, sausages and cold meats daily except Saturday afternoon and Sundays.
At the corner with Via Portici there is the Neptune fountain from which fresh water flows. It was built primarily for hygienic reasons and to supply citizens with fresh water. A bronze Neptune surrounded by three dolphins who spout water into three shell-shaped basins below stands on a marble plinth.

The picturesque Piazza del Grano was once the seat of the corn and agricultural market. Today the Piazza is framed by pretty shops and restaurants. Not far is the former public weighing house dating back to 1643 that still shows a part of the ancient walls.

Bolzano Cathedral is a massive Gothic building. The tower is topped by a 65 m sandstone spire with ornamental tracery. The design is by Burghard Engelberg from Augsburg, the cathedral was built by Swabian architect and sculptor Hans Lutz von Schussenried (1501-1519). The cathedral, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, can be visited Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.