Bolzano is a northern Italian city located in the South Tyrol region. It is a city with a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times, when Bolzano was founded as a Roman military post in 15 BC under the name Pons Drusi. Over the centuries, Bolzano was invaded by various peoples, including the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Huns, Lombards and Saracens, who left their mark on the city and its surroundings.

In the 13th century, Bolzano came under the rule of the Counts of Tyrol, and in 1363 it became part of the Habsburg Empire. This rule lasted for over 500 years, and only after the First World War was South Tyrol, including Bolzano, annexed by Italy. This happened precisely in 1919, after which the city underwent many changes. During Mussolini’s fascist Italian rule, Bolzano received a new urban plan that changed the layout of the city.

Bolzano is today known for its unique blend of Italian and German culture, which is reflected in the city’s architecture, language and traditions. The central square, Piazza Walther, is named after the medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, and is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike. From here, you can take a leisurely stroll down Via dei Portici, a historic street dating back to the 12th century that is still the heart of Bolzano’s commercial district. The street is known for its arcades with shops, cafes and restaurants.

One of the most famous sights in Bolzano is the city’s cathedral, locally called Duomo di Bolzano, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is a Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century and is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes. Another must-see is the archaeological museum, where you can see the famous Ötzi, a well-preserved Bronze Age mummy found in the Alpine ice in 1991. In addition to the sight of Ötzi, the museum offers a fascinating insight into prehistoric life.

You can also walk to Piazza del Tribunale, which stands as an architectural time capsule from Italy’s fascist era. The square is home to the Palazzo degli Uffici Finanziari to the south and the Tribunale di Bolzano to the north. The square was built in 1939-1942 as part of the 1933-1934 plans for the ‘new Bolzano’. The Palazzo degli Uffici Finanziari was built as the regional headquarters of Italy’s fascist party. Nearby is the contemporary Monumento alla Vittoria or Victory Monument from 1928. The monument was erected in the fascist style on the orders of Benito Mussolini.

Bolzano also boasts several historic castles, such as Castel Roncolo, known for its medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of knights of the time. The castle is located on a cliff overlooking the city, and from there there are fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. You can also visit the Maretsch Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by vineyards and is now used for cultural events and exhibitions.

For nature lovers, Bolzano is also an ideal place, as the city serves as a starting point for trips to the Dolomites, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, offering countless hiking and cycling trails. You can take the Funivia del Renon cable car up to the Ritten plateau, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Dolomites and Bolzano. The city and mountains are beautiful all year round, and in winter the area around Bolzano is a popular ski resort.