Bolzano is a historic town at the foot of the Dolomites, an important winter sports center and a good starting point for mountain hikes. It is home to the famous Archaeological Museum, which displays the mummy of Ötzi, dating from around 3300 BC
The city is located in the autonomous region of Trentino-South Tyrol, linked for centuries with Austria and its culture. Throughout its history, the city changed its nationality many times and was the object of competition between both countries. It was influenced, among others, by strategic location in an alpine valley, next to the former medieval trade route.
The biggest attraction in Bolzano is the South Tyrolean Archaeological Museum . Here is the mummy of Ötzi found in the alpine valley of the Ötztal just off the Austrian border and popularly called the "ice man".
In Bolzano, the medieval layout of buildings has been preserved, which is centered around the large square Piazza Walther surrounded by tenement houses and city palaces. Every year in December, a traditional Christmas market is held in the square, referring to the traditions of German-speaking countries. Also, the local restaurants and bars serve dishes that are a mixture of Italian and Austrian cuisine.
Interesting sights are also on the outskirts of Bolzano, these are two medieval castles, the Mareccio Castle surrounded by vineyards, famous for its annual wine festival, and the Runkelstein Castle with frescoes depicting scenes from the legend of Tristan and Isolde.
Bolzano is a good base for active tourism enthusiasts. In summer, there are numerous hiking and climbing routes in the Dolomites, and in winter, kilometers of ski slopes and cross-country ski runs. A popular Bolzano attraction is the cable car to the Colle-Kohlern summit, from where you can admire sweeping Alpine panoramas.
