Bolzano

The city of encounters

...locates at altitudes from 232 to 1,616 metres above sea level;
...counts some 100,000 inhabitants;
...26.3% of which speak German as their native language, 73% Italian and only 0.7% Ladin.

Welcome to the capital of South Tyrol! This is the home of the South Tyrolean government with all its new and old headquarters, offices and conference rooms.

Once in long passed times, when the town was still a small settlement, it was called "Bauzanum"; probably after its first inhabitant, whose name definitely was Bauzus or at least something like this.

The rich variety characterising the 5 quarters of Bolzano results in a small but mighty town, a "city of the world", not too big and not too small, with an extraordinary beautiful Mediterranean flair. The "city of the thousand dialects" promises its visitors from far and near an interesting insight into how we South Tyroleans speak. Bolzano for instance is called Bozen in German and Bulsan in Ladin, an ancient Rhaeto-Romanic language still spoken in Val Gardena and Alta Badia.

In the time after World War 1, when former Austrian South Tyrol was annexed by Italy and fascism ruled our country, numerous Italians abandoned the south of Italy and settled in South Tyrol while many German speaking native people left their home. Due to this"“Italianization", Bolzano today is home to numerous Italian speaking people. And as usual the living together of two cultures results in lots of energy and debates.

Strolling around the historic city centre of Bolzano is by the way a great thing to do and this not only once. Romantic alleys, colourful markets and the well-known Italian spirit will render it a special kind of experience.

By the way, Bolzano is a bicycle-friendly city which is characterised by an excellent bycicle path network.

Enjoy yourself!