Bolzano is a wonderful town tucked away in the mountainous region of South Tyrol in the Italian Alps.
With a population of just over 105,000, Bolzano is the largest city in this area and is also the capital of South Tyrol. This city has the distinction of being voted the Italian city with the best quality of life in 2014. Bolzano has seen some form of human settlement since the prehistoric era and has seen influence from various ruling empires including the Bavarians, Roman Empire, and Holy Roman Empire. Due to its location within the alps, it has served as a strategic city for controlling the region and this is evident due to a large number of castles nestled in the mountains.
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1. Funivia del Renon
What better way to see the city and the stunning Alpine countryside than taking a cable car ride? The Renon cable car travels from the center of Bolzano, up to the mountain commune of Soprabolzano.
With a total length of 4,541m, this cable car soars over forests and stunning landscapes and the journey time takes approximately 11 minutes.
The lower station sits at 274n ASL, whilst the final station towers above at 1222m ASL. At the top, there's a light gauge rail that can take you to other villages in the mountains including Renon, Costalovara, and Collalbo.
2. South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
This museum is an absolute must for your visit to Bolzano! As the leading museum in this part of Italy, this facility has some great displays and is an attractive place to visit. Located to the left of the historic town center, this museum is within walking distance of the main sites of Bolzano.
The main attraction of this museum is undoubtedly Frozen Fritz – Otzi, as he is known, is a 5,300-year-old corpse that was found frozen in the Alps. A series of displays and exhibitions are centered on the phenomenon and detailing how this region of the Alps would have looked thousands of years ago.
You can gain a fantastic insight into what prehistoric life would have been like and how a man like Otzi would have lived.
3. Piazza Walther
This is the main square in Bolzano and is one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Located in the center of the town, this square contains several important monuments and historical buildings.
On the southern corner of the square is the majestic Duomo di Bolzano and in the center of the square is a beautiful ornate fountain. Markets are often held within the square and a series of small stalls are usually set up against the shops.
Aside from the stunning architecture and historical buildings, the square also has several cafes and restaurants from which you can use the outdoor seating and enjoy a relaxing drink or meal.
4. Puez-Geisler Nature Park
The area where Bolzano is located has many natural parks waiting for you to explore. One such area is the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. Located approximately one hour drive to the northeast of Bolzano, the park can be reached along the SS12 route.
Designated a protected area in 1978, the park features two major mountains – Puez and Odle. Throughout this rocky region, you can find a plethora of hiking and climbing opportunities and for anyone who loves the outdoors, this nature park will simply delight.
For the typical alpine landscape, the beautiful ridge on the side of the mountain and the forests that embrace the ridge, there's no better place.
5. Duomo di Bolzano
Bolzano has some great religious buildings, but the most impressive is Duomo di Bolzano. This church is located in the center of Piazza Walther Square and was originally built in the 4th century.
During the following years, the church was changed, added and restored. A notable feature of this Gothic building is the beautiful tiled roof – this roof has a wonderful green, white and yellow diamond pattern and stands out against the surrounding buildings.
Inside the church, there is a series of colored stone columns and a highly decorative main altar. There is also a museum that documents the history of the cathedral and holds some beautiful artifacts and relics.
6. Castel Roncolo
High above the mountain city, Castel Roncolo is a majestic structure that has existed since the 13th century. A tour of the castle is possible and this is a wonderful sight with loads of historical information.
Throughout the history of the castle, its ownership has transferred from various ruling empires including the Hapsburgs. When entering the castle grounds, you are offered fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Inside the structure, there is a myriad of beautiful 14th and 15th-century frescos depicting medieval life. Despite the mountain location, buses often travel to the castle from Walther Square.
7. Castel Tirolo
Tyrol Castle is located approximately 45 minutes to the northwest of Bolzano and is one of the most important fortifications in the region. This imposing structure served as the seat of the Counts of Tyrol and was originally constructed in the 12th century.
High up on the mountainside, the front of the castle can be seen for miles and features a typical medieval design with round towers and pointed tiled rooftops. From the front of the castle ramparts, you are granted with impressive views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Within the grounds of the castle, there is a Falconry that houses various birds of prey, and the South Tyrolean Museum of History.
8. Messner Mountain Museum
In the southwestern part of Bolzano set apart from the city, the Messner Mountain Museum stands proudly on the side of the mountains. This museum is actually housed within Firmian Caste and this structure is presented in a remarkable condition despite its old age.
Within the museum is a plethora of stunning displays, artifacts, and relics relating to mountainside life within the Tyrol region. The main aim of the museum is to educate people on the relationship man has with the Dolomite mountains including a history of mountaineering and Alpine tourism.
9. Bolzano Franciscan Monastery
While Duomo di Bolzano has some great exterior architecture, the Bolzano Franciscan Monastery has a beautiful interior and a beautiful courtyard/church. Constructed in the 14th century, this structure served as a place of worship for the Franciscan monks for many years.
The church of the monastery features some amazing stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling. Moreover, the monasteries of the monastery have a Gothic design and a series of beautiful stone arches. This is a pleasant and quiet place to visit and a must-see religious place in Bolzano.
10. Dominican Church
The third and final impressive religious structure in the center of Bolzano is the Dominican Church. Exclusively for St. Dominic, the church was created in the late 1200s and is actually one of the first Gothic-inspired buildings in the city.
Although the front of the church is quite simple, the interior is gorgeous and has a series of historic frescoes. The chapel of St. John and the Chapel of St. Catherine are both wonderful rooms that feature-rich decoration.
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