Churches in Bolzano
There are many churches in Bolzano, decorated with valuable pieces of art from the past.
Dome of Bolzano
The embelm of the city, the dome of Bolzano, is really worth a visit.
The dome in the centre is dedicated to the Assumption and is striking due to its special architecture. The dome has been decorated with devotion and is equipped with a pulpit of sandstone.
At the place of the church, already in the Romanesque period there has been built a “domus”, which was a building of Christians. In the 5th and 6th century, on the same palce a basilica was built. For some time the barbarians obstructed the activities in the basilica, only in the Carolingian epoque it was possible to build a religious building at this place.
An economic and cultural boom gave birth to the idea of a new house of worship. In 1184 labour forces from Lombardy began to build the basilica, which was completed in 1222. Only a short time later, so to speak in the 14th century, the idea of a renovation has been taken into consideration. Swabians worked under the direction of Martin and Peter Schiche. The three-aisled church now was characterised by a further gallery and cross vault, which are protected by columns and arches. For this reason the dome of Bolzano is a masterpiece for the combination southern and northern mothods of operating.
The parish church of Bolzano is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 to 12 am and 2 to 5 pm. The Dome treasury in the Tyrolean area contains numerous Baroque church inventory. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 12 am.
The steeple characterises the facade. It is 65 m high and have been built according to the ideas of Burkhard Engelbert (Augsburg). Hans Lutz from Schussenried performed the work and completed the construction in 1517.
Dominican church
The Dominican church is located on Piazza Domenicani, close to the dome and has got to offer a special characteristic. It is the first Gothic construction in South Tyrol, that is to say in the south Passo Brennero. The church and bordering cloister are the remainings of a Dominican monastery dating back to the 13th century. In 1785 the monastery has been closed by Emperor Joseph II. In WWII this church has been susceptible to bombings, which destroyed parts of the building.
However, important frescos dating back to the 14th and 15th century and the beginnings of the 16th century have been preserved (pieces of art by Friedrich Pacher and the scholars of Giotto in the chapter house and John chapel). The church and annexes are open for public from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, on Saturdays from 12.30, Sundays from 12 to 6 - except the times when masses take place.
Franciscan church
The franciscan church is located in the north of the Piazza delle Erbe. The church and neighbouring buildings have been built at the beginning of the 14th century, whereas the choir was constructed from 1300 to 1348. The highlight of the Franciscan church is the winged altar by Hans Klocker, which can be visited from Monday to Saturday (10 to 12 am and 2.30 to 6 pm).
Capuchin’s Church
The Capuchin’s Church is located in the homonymous alley, which starts at Piazza Domenicani and ends in the Marconi Road. It is dedicated to Saint Antonius from Padova and has been built in 1600. And what is special about the church: underneath the church there is the grounding of Wendelstein Castle, which belongs to the Counts of Tyrol.
In the church there is also the altarpiece of the artist Felice Brusasorci “Antonius between Andreas and Paulus”, dating back to the 16th centruy. Felice Brusasorci comes from Verona. Open daily from 9 to 6.30 pm.
Old parish church of Gries
The old parish church of Gries is located in Via M. Knoller road. This building dates back to the late Gothic period and features a Roman crucifix dating back to the 13th century as well as a Gothic winged altar, the popular Altar of the Coronation of Mary (1430 to 1498) by Michael Pacher. This piece of art is considered to be the highlight of the Gothic wood craft.
Guided tours on request: tel. +39 0471 283089
Open from 10.30 to 12 am and 2.30 to 4 pm.
Closed from November 1 to March 31.
Abbey church of the monastery Muri Gries
The signors of “Gries in der Au” donated a convent of canons. At these times is was located in the quarter Don Bosco of the city of Bolzano. As it has repeatedly been afflicted by floodings, the monastery has been transferred into the former castle of the signors of Gries and this is where it is still today. The decorations inside include numerous frescos and seven altarpieces of the famous Tyrolean painter Martin Knoller. In 1845 the benedictines moved into the facilty and still live there. For further information please call +39 0471 283089 or +39 0471 281116.
Further churches in the city of Bolzano:
> San Giovani in Villa Church
> Santa Maddalena Church
> St. George’s church of Teutonic Order
> San Vigilio al Virgolo Church
> San Martino Church in Campiglio
> Calvario Church
> Evangelical Church
