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
More information
Guided tour "Bolzano and the old town" in German and Italian language every Saturday at 11 am, fees on request, max. 25 partecipants. Meeting point: info point at the Piazza del Grano square, reservation needed: +39 0471 307000.
During the warm months from April to October, the guided tour is offered on several week days.