Bolzano, The Capital of the DolomitesToday's town center began 900 years ago and is characterized by Gothic architecture. It was constructed by the bishops of Trento at a key junction between North and South and included an arcaded avenue to display goods, with German-speaking tradesmen on one side and their "Italic" counterparts on the other.
Although it was often touched by war, Bolzano has preferred peace, favouring first the exchange of merchandise, later languages and customs. .
The wealth that rolled out of the arcades helped the church to erect such artistic monuments as Giottoesque frescoes, a cathedral bell tower designed by a Swabian architect, and the carved wooden altar by Michael Pacher. With the 20th century came Jungenstil and Neo-Gothic styles.
Under fascism, Mussolini mobilized the most talented artists in Italy for the Triumphal Arch and the courthouse.
At the Crossroads of CultureBolzano, the only city in the world with both a competition in honour of F. Busoni and a house where Mozart slept. An elegant salon where different people meet, an exchange of cultures, music, and performances.
The central Piazza Walther named for the troubadour Walther von der Vogelweide, one street named for Dante and another for Goethe; a conservatory carrying the name of Monteverdi an Orchestra of Haydn. A trilingual University, and an Academy of Design and a Film School both bilingual This is what makes Bolzano a little big capital of European atmosphere!
The Gateway to the DolomitesBolzano lies 265 m above sea level along one of the most important routes running from the Mediterranean to the North Sea, conecting North and South. It is surrounded on all sides by mountains. Above the city, in the Dolomites, lies the "Rosengarten"- the legendary realm of Laurin, the dwarf king. His enchanted garden glows an unearthly red at twilight.
Mediterranean climate with alpine splendourWith a yearly average high of 16.6° C (62° F) a yearly average low of 6° C (43° F), and no fog, Bolzano has a very mild climat.
In fact, a part of Bolzano, the formerly independent town of Gries was a health resort in the last century, beloved by all because of its climate.
Bolzano is the portal to a world without borders, from the green of parks and grapevines to the living rock of the Dolomites. Pink mountains fringed with snow form a backdrop while below lie palms, olive trees, cedars, and magnolias on the slopes of the hills. An elegant frame for the meeting between the fresh northern wind and the radiant Mediterranean sun, a benediction for vines sagging with the weight of bountiful bunches, filled with the flavours of days gone by.
The Countryside in the cityThere are over 300 hectares (740acres) of grapevines within the city limits, a full one seventh of the total area. In the fall, the aroma of freshly crushed grapes wafts through the city from its 27 wineries.
Bolzano is the ideal starting point for walks and hikes in the environment of the city.
Along the hills above the city winds a crown of pathways bordered by typically Mediterranean vegetation. The "Guntschna- an the Oswaldpromenade" are two pearls: terraces obove the city lined with palm trees, magnolias, cedars, agaves and laurel.
Other walking paths bring you to the different castles of the town.
Passeggiate del Lungotalvera - Wassermauerpromenade
The Promenade along the river Talvera and Isarco is like a green oasis in the middle of the town. Here you can spend some relaxing time or you can choose to do or watch some sports: football, volleybal, baseball....
La Passeggiata del Guncina - Guntschnapromenade
The Gunthschnapromenade goes up in serpentines starting from Gries. It is dedicated to the Duke Heinrich from Habsburg and was one of the famous parts of the health resort since the middle of the 19th Century. Today it is a nice walking path with a beautiful view on the town with the "Rosengarten" in the background.
La Passeggiata di Sant'Osvaldo - Oswaldpromenade
The Oswaldpromenade goes from St. Anton to St. Magdalena bordering the numerous vineyards on the hills of the town. The traditional red vine "St. Magdalena" is produced here.
Passeggiata del Virgolo - Virglpromenade
The walking path at the feet of the Colle mountain begins near the castel "Haselburg" in the south of Bolzano. It connects the castle with the "Virgl", one of the first parts of the town to be habitated in prehistoric times. Two interesting churches can be found there: the Romanic Church of St. Vigil an the Baroque Kalvarien-Church.
Renon
Bolzano's home mountain beckon with plenty of sun and pretty walks with the unique Sciliar and Alpa di Siusi meadowlands as a backdrop. There is also a skiarea perfect for families.
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