Bolzano (Bozen) Sights and Activities

Duomo.  The bell tower’s spined hollow spire and the ornate masonry around its eaves demonstrate Bolzano’s transition from Romanesque to Gothic religious architecture, while paintings, frescoes and statues line the walkways inside. (P. Walther. Open M-F 10am-noon and 2-5pm. Free.)

Chiesa Dei Francescani.   Gateways lined with cypress trees and flowers lead into this church’s cool, silent interior. At the apse, three vibrant stain-glass windows are a sight to behold for patrons seated in the wooden pews. (V. dei Francesca 1. Open M-F 8:30am-noon and 2:30-6pm, Sa-Su 8:30am-noon. Free.)

South Tyrol Museum Of Archaeology.   Tourists at this museum file by the giant refrigerator that houses Ötzi, the 5000-year-old Neanderthal discovered by hikers in the Alps in 1991. Ötzi has his own floor, where English-language displays chart the extensive investigations archeologists have made of his daily life. (V. Museo 43, near Ponte Talvera. ☎0471 32 01 00; www.iceman.it. Open Tu-Su 10am-5:30pm; July-Aug. and Dec. also open M. Wheelchair-accessible. €8, students and seniors €6, under 6 free. Multilingual audio tours €2.)

Castel Roncolo.   This medieval fortress looks more like a Disney wonderland. Lavish wall frescoes narrate the legend of Tristan and Isolde. The winding stone path to the castle and the connector between the museum’s two wings offer spectacular views of the mountains and city below. (V. Sant’Antonio 15. Take city bus #12 from P. Walther to the Funivia stop, then go up V. Weggerstein to V. San Antonio. Ask at the ticket desk about the free bus for tourists back to P. Walther. ☎0471 32 98 08; www.roncolo.info. Open Tu-Su 10am-6pm. Gates for frescoes close 5:30pm. €8; groups of 10 or more, students, and seniors €5.50. Guided tour supplement €2.70.)