South Tyrol
Castles & Palaces
South Tyrol is one of the European regions with the most castles. Particularly in the region of Valvenosia, there are majestic castles and palaces to discover and visit, through which an important military and trading route has run since ancient times. Witnesses to an illustrious past.The shopping centres Bolzano and Merano
Shopping in Bolzano. Who doesn’t enjoy picking up exemplary pieces of Italian fashion and design ideas here, in the little town that is considered the cultural centre of the primarily German-speaking region of South Tyrol. Going back as far as the 15th Century, the architecture is fascinating, from the fruit market to the arcades.If you look around Merano, you will be fascinated by the patrician atmosphere of imperial times, which still show their proud countenance in the old villas and townhouses. If you set off on a shopping spree you won’t be disappointed: there are so many beautiful shops with old-fashioned interiors, alongside contemporary designer shops. Bolzano is a centre for fashion, from avant-garde to classic styles. However there are also plenty of art, gourmet foods and everything which makes life worth living.
ArcheoParc in the Schnals Valley
What did grain look like in ancient times, which woods were used, which herbs and berries were gathered? What were the houses like in Ötzi the Iceman’s time? Back in time, the ArcheoParc provides insights into the heritage of past ages, when the Iceman lived. The park sheds light on the Neolithic Age. Information under Archeoparc Schnals, at telephone number + 39 0473 676020.
White gold, Laas marble
Not only is it world-famous, it is also unique – the white gold from the mountains of Laas: marble. Favoured by sculptors because of its beauty, the gleaming limestone has been used in many parts of the world for centuries. You can’t visit the marble quarries, but Laas is full of this stone. There are even marble tours lasting up to three hours.Fantastic Glurns
Wandering along rows of arcades, through city gates, round churches and on fortifications in Glurns means delving into an eventful past. With 850 souls, the smallest township in South Tyrol – and also in Italy – gives a complete picture: The Middle Ages leap out at every corner to tell you about warring times when this was the trading centre for salt between the south German region and Lombardy. Town tours every Tuesday, from May to October.Where Ötzi was discovered
The most famous Tyrolean is still good for a mystery or two: He was only 30 when he died, and he lived some 5,200 years ago. Ötzi, the man from the eternal ice, was discovered on the Similaun glacier by hikers in 1991. If you would like to visit “Ötzi’s Grave” on the Hauslabjoch mountain, contact the mountain sports centre Bergsportschule Sölden, which offers tours up to the Similaun hut.
