Bolzano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local

Piazza Walther is often defined as the living room of Bolzano given its position and importance. This place hosts the famous Bolzano Christmas Market in winter and numerous other events, such as the Flower Market in spring and the City Festival.

This building represents a meeting point between two cultures, the Italian and the German one. Its architecture is in fact a mix of Romanesque and Gothic elements. The Cathedral is also known for the “Wine Door”, a Gothic portal with depictions of winemakers in typical clothes of the time, considered one of the most beautiful in Tyrol.

A few meters from the Duomo we find the Dominican Church, but don’t be fooled by the bare facades: inside there is a real treasure! Although this church was sacked and damaged for many centuries, the remaining 14th century frescoes create a real treasure for the city of Bolzano.

Via della Mostra is the richest and most elegant street in the city full of sumptuous buildings from the Renaissance period. Via della Nostra dates back to the medieval period and given its central position, many important buildings have been built over many centuries which reflect the typical architecture of the region, with both Italian and Germanic influences.

Piazza del Grano is located in the historic center of Bolzano, between Piazza Walther, via Argentieri and the Portici. The buildings surrounding the square still maintain traces of the original buildings linked to the bishop’s seat.

We are now in the most famous and popular street in Bolzano: Via dei Portici. Also known as Laubengasse, represents the original nucleus of Bolzano, founded on the initiative of the prince bishop of Trento in the last decades of the 12th century.

This eighteenth-century building, designed by the Veronese architect Francesco Perotti, hosted the mercantile magistrate for over a century. This special commercial court, established in 1635 by Archduchess Claudia de’ Medici of Austria, was responsible for resolving disputes between merchants during the international fairs in Bolzano. Ticket cost: 7€

Piazza delle Erbe has always been the site of a market, the first document attesting to it dates back to 1295 and even today the market is held every day except Saturday afternoon, Sunday and public holidays.

Every year thousands of visitors go to the Archaeological Museum of Bolzano to see Otzi, the oldest natural mummy ever found! Obviously the museum is not entirely dedicated to Ötzi but there are many other really interesting periodic exhibitions that you can see. Ticket cost: 13€

Among the numerous castles that can be visited in Bolzano and its surroundings, Castel Mareccio, also called Schloss Maretsch in German, is a unique stop that you absolutely cannot miss. Located in the heart of the historic center of Bolzano, Castel Mareccio is surrounded by the green vineyards and the enchanting meadows of the long Talvera river and in the background you can see the Dolomites. Castel Mareccio today often hosts exhibitions, conferences and private events so before going there check on the official website that it is open during the dates of your stay Ticket cost: 5€

The Franciscan Church of Bolzano, annexed to the convent, is a rare example of original Gothic architecture. Famous for the wooden altar with carved doors depicting the Nativity, the work of Hans Klocker, one of the most significant works of Gothic art present in the churches of Bolzano.

Via dei Bottai is one of the oldest and most characteristic streets in the historic center of Bolzano. This street is famous for its well-preserved medieval buildings and its evocative atmosphere that recalls the city’s historical past.