The history of the famous Bolzano Arcades, today a popular shopping street, dates back to the 12th century
Image gallery: Medieval Arcades
The Arcades of Bolzano - Via dei Portici, in Italian, and Laubengasse, in German - is the most famous and most visited alley in Bolzano: The shopping street with its Gothic arches connects the Piazza delle Erbe square with the Town Hall Square.
The Arcades have always been the heart of Bolzano’s trade: Trade was already carried on under the round arches in the 12th century, when the Arcades were built by the Prince-Bishops of Trento. The vaults behind them served as storage space for goods, the apartments with atrium above served as accommodations. The typical “Laubenhaus” is 4 m wide and about 50 m deep, has wrought iron railings and characteristic oriels. The Old Town Hall is also located here: On its façade you can see remains of paintings by Conrad Waider from the 15th century.
Today the 300 m long Arcades are a much frequented shopping street: Under the arches you can find numerous shops - small old-established as well as big chains - and the two antique pharmacies “Madonna” and “Schwarzer Adler”. Every year on the 10th of August, however, the Arcades become a festival mile: Then the Night of St. Lawrence is celebrated with South Tyrolean wines.
Contact info
- Via dei Portici / Laubengasse - 39100 - Bolzano / Bozen
- +39 0471 307000
- info@bolzano-bozen.it
Opening times
Always open
Admission
Historic Town and Arcades of Bolzano freely accessible
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guided tour "Bolzano's Old Town":
€ 10.00 adults
€ 10.00 young people (14-18 years)
free for children under 14 years
free with the Bolzano Bozen Card
More information
The guided tours are offered in German and Italian language, e.g. "Bolzano's Old Town" from April 5 to October 25, 2025, every Saturday (furthermore on selected public holidays) at 10.30 am.
Meeting point at the Info Point at the Piazza del Grano square no. 11, duration: two hours, language: German and Italian, max. 25 persons, reservation needed by calling +39 0471 307000.
Guided tours in English are offered for groups upon request.