Bolzano’s history has been a trading point since its foundation and elevation to a city over 800 years ago. This was mostly due to its location between the two major cities of Venice and Augsburg. Four times a year a fair was held and traders came from the south and the north of Europe. The merchants would display and sell their goods under the arcades of the Lauben, Bolzano’s main street, which still happens today. The mercantile magistrate was founded in 1635. At this time the city was a cultural crosspoint between the German & Italian speaking parts of Europe. This melting pot of languages & culture became even more complex through the battle of WW1 when the border between Austria and Italy was moved.

Today Bolzano is a small beautiful city that is home to just under 100,000 residents. The rich cobblestoned streets of the old town centre no longer plays host to public vehicle access, and therefore is filled with both residents and visitors going about their daily activities by foot or bicycle. Visit the traditional fruit and vegetable markets, one of the many churches and museums, enjoy the shopping or simply sit back and enjoy the atmosphere whilst sipping a ‘perfect cappuccino’.

From end of November for 4 weeks the Christkindl Market is taking centre stage in the old part of town. The Christmas Market in Bolzano is Italy’s biggest Christmas market. For over two decades now it has attracted countless visitors every year to the magnificently decorated Piazza Walther, with its uniquely special Advent atmosphere. For almost a month, festive aromas fill the streets and picturesque alleyways in South Tyrol’s regional capital; the shimmering sparkle of romantic lamps and flickering candles bathes Bolzano in a magical light for a short period.