Bolzano (Italy)

One of Bolzano's most famous personalities is Josef Mayr-Nusser. After the invasion of the German Wehrmacht, he refused to take the Führer's oath for reasons of faith, whereupon he was sentenced to death. The resistance fighter died on February 24, 1945 in a cattle car at the train station in Erlangen on his way to the Dachau concentration camp and was beatified on March 18, 2017 by the envoy of Pope Francis, Cardinal Angelo Amato. Josef-Mayr-Nusser thus represents a historical link between the two cities and stands as a reminder to preserve peace and democracy

Following the example of Josef Mayr-Nusser, the town twinning between Bolzano and Erlangen aims to campaign against any glorification and use of power. Especially in the current political situation, his exemplary actions are of great human and political significance.

Erlangen is looking forward to working together with the South Tyrolean capital in the areas of culture, sport, youth, churches, education, integration, inclusion, science and associations within the framework of the new city partnership with Bolzano.

Bolzano is located in the heart of South Tyrol and is known as the "gateway to the Dolomites". With its many historic squares, stores and boutiques as well as charming alleyways, the former trading town impresses its many guests from all over the world every year.

Among them are many wine connoisseurs. An old saying goes that Venice floats on water, Bolzano on wine. No wonder, considering that Bolzano is the third largest wine-growing municipality with over 700 hectares of vineyards.

The main languages spoken in Bolzano are Italian and German. The fusion of different cultures means that Mediterranean and Tyrolean cuisine meet here.

The range of museums in Bolzano is particularly noteworthy. In the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, visitors have the opportunity to see the famous glacier mummy Ötzi and his equipment. In the Mercantile Museum, visitors can learn about the economic history of the city.

In the heart of South Tyrol you will find the Museion, which stands for modern and contemporary art and is considered one of the most important sites for contemporary art. The futuristic-looking building houses 4,500 works of art as well as special exhibitions by internationally renowned artists.

Business and science

In 1786, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe reached the trading city on his journey to Italy, "where everything lived from the fair" and where "a gentle mild air fills the area".

Due to its geographical location between the two important centers of Venice and Augsburg, Bolzano became a meeting point for many traders. The first trade fairs were held in Bolzano as early as 1200.

The history of today's provincial capital as a trading and trade fair city also characterizes Bolzano's present. Even today, numerous trade fairs bring together supply and demand, companies and consumers.

The trade fairs focus on tourism and gastronomy, (winter) sports and mountain technology, agriculture, sustainable construction and mobility.

The province of South Tyrol supports the areas of science and research through targeted measures. For example, economists, natural scientists, linguists, lawyers and doctors are working on solutions to the problems of our time at the European Academy of Bolzano (EURAC).

In addition to the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, public and private research institutions and companies are also to promote areas such as renewable energies, sustainable mobility and life sciences in the Technology Park.

Fraunhofer Italia Research Konsortialgesellschaft mbH, a subsidiary of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, also supports small and medium-sized companies in the field of applied research.

Places of interest

The long history of the rich trading city is reflected above all in the arcades. The Laubengasse, which is lined with numerous elegant, traditional and modern stores, is one of the most visited streets in Bolzano.

Only around 300 meters from the picturesque alley is the striking 65-metre-high steeple of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The landmark of Bolzano, completed in 1517, is known above all for its impressive mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, but also for its treasure museum with a collection of sacred objects from the Middle Ages and Baroque.

One of the main attractions of the Alpine town is the most famous glacier mummy in the world - Ötzi, the Iceman. The 13 kg exhibit lies in a specially designed cold storage cell and is visible to the public through a small window.

In addition to Ötzi's finds, such as his equipment, clothing and weapons, a true-to-life reconstruction of the glacier mummy is also on display. Video projections show the discovery by a couple from Nuremberg and the recovery of Ötzi.

You should therefore make time for a tour of Bolzano.

Culture

The picturesque alleyways, historic squares and castles attract countless visitors to Bolzano every year.

The Christmas market in particular attracts a large number of tourists to spend Advent here. With its romantic lights and flickering candles, Italy's largest Christmas market envelops the streets of the South Tyrolean capital in enchanting light for an entire month.

As the birthplace of many athletes, Bolzano offers a variety of major sporting events, including the Bolzano New Year's Eve Run or the Ice Gala, an ice show where Olympic, world and European champions in figure skating and ice dancing as well as ice acrobats can be seen.

History of the city

The "city of a thousand dialects" was founded in 1170 by the bishops of Trento. At that time, the street market settlement consisted of just one street (today's Laubengasse) and a square (today's Kornplatz). Due to its good location between Venice and Augsburg, the town became the most important trading center in Tyrol and was granted city rights in 1437.

Italy's victory over Austria-Hungary in the First World War resulted in the occupation and annexation of Bolzano by Italy.

After the Fascists came to power in Italy, the South Tyroleans were faced with the choice of assimilation or exile.

The subsequent emigration of native German speakers and the influx of many Italians brought about a shift in language relations. Italian became the most widely spoken language in Bolzano, while German predominated in the surrounding area.

The fall of Mussolini was followed by the invasion of the German Wehrmacht and the establishment of the transit camp. Bolzano was only liberated in 1945 and declared the capital of South Tyrol in 1972.

Famous personalities

Josef Mayr-Nusser (1910-1945): Victim of National Socialism, beatified as a martyr in 2017

Maria Luise Thurmair (1912-2005): Catholic theologian and writer, wrote several hymns for the Gotteslob hymnal

Christine Mayn (* March 1, 1962): Actress who has appeared in several television series and films (e.g. Traumschiff, Rosamunde Pilcher, Die Rosenheim-Cops)

Roland Trettl (* July 3, 1971) Chef and author of cookbooks, seen in the TV series "The Taste" and in "Kitchen Impossible"

Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer (1777-1860): Prince-Bishop of Trento, beatified in 1995

Henry of Bolzano (1250-1315): Patron saint of the city

Friedrich von Toggenburg (1866-1956): President of the Province of Tyrol, Austrian Minister of the Interior