L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 9 Bolzano: Austrian beauty with Italian flair gorgeous rose window has been restored after the bombings of the Second World War, and is back to its ancient glory. Inside the church there are beautiful exam- ples of baroque architecture, from the marble altar by the Veronese Ranghieri and Allio, to the baroque chapel of the graces added in 1745. Maybe less grandiose, but still worth a visit is the Dominican church, built by Dominican friars that settled in Bolzano in 1272. A part of the ancient structure is today's Music Academy, which hosts a prestigious international piano competition and other important cultural events. The church is noteworthy especially Although fairly small, the town of Bolzano in Trentino Alto Adige, has a lot to offer: beauti- ful, quaint, bilingual and sophisti- cated, it brings together two very different lifestyles - the Mittel European and the Mediterranean, and often showcases to its visi- tors the best of both worlds. Historically, Bolzano has been an important center of commercial exchanges between Italy, Germany, Austria and the rest of Northeastern Europe and, upon a first glance, it is immediately clear that different cultures have met and prospered: the town cen- ter, tidy and picture perfect, resembles the downtown areas of Austrian cities like Salzburg or Innsbruck, yet there is something in the air that makes Bolzano very Italian. A tour of the town should def- initely include Bolzano's beauti- ful churches. The Cathedral of the Diocese of Bolzano – Bressanone stands over what remains of an early Christian, a late Medieval and Romanesque basilica that dates back to 1180. The building of the new Cathedral took more than one century and the new imposing construction, completed around 1420, is a splendid example of Gothic style. The bell tower stands 65 meter tall and was built by the famous architect Hans Lutz von Schusseried between 1501 and 1519. On the North side the beautiful Crucifix by the Veronese School, with a small votive image bearing the symbol of the pilgrim of Santiago de Compostela is definitely worth a look, while on the Western side a because it's home to many pre- cious examples of Bolzanine painting from the 1300s on the eastern side of the cloister and on the west wall of the church. However, the crowning jewel of the entire building is the San Giovanni chapel, a long and nar- row side chapel with the most magnificent fresco cycle of the Giotto School in the area. Franciscans friars too settled in the town in 1221 and built a church that dates back to the first half of 1300. Its cloister in Gothic style is a pure delight, and so are the many frescoes and the mag- nificent wooden altar by Hans Klocker of Bressanone dedicated to the Nativity. Bolzano features also many stunning castles that look even more beautiful against the back- drop of the Italian Alps. Firmian castle is home to the extraordi- nary Mountain Museum project by pro climber Reinhold Messner and will strike a chord with those who love extreme sports and life on the mountains. The museum collection is exhibited in the tur- rets, rooms, and courtyards and offers the visitor a complete vision of the hiking and climbing worlds and the special relation- ship between man and mountain. For more information and open- ing times visit: www.messner- mountain-museum.it The Roncolo Castle, at the beginning of the Val Sarentina to the north of the city, is easily accessible on foot via the green- belt footpath along the Talvera River. Built in 1237 on a rock, the castle has been extended and restored several times and houses splendid frescoes depicting scenes of medieval everyday life. The castle also features a restau- rant offering the opportunity to enjoy local delicatessen in a medieval ambience - something kids (and grownups alike!) very much enjoy. Bolzano is also the ideal desti- nation for those who enjoy good wine and food. Surrounded by approximately 500 hectares of vineyards, its particular climate, good soil and variety of cultivat- ing areas create the perfect condi- tions for an exceptional produc- tion. Try the Lagrein and Santa Maddalena, two grapes from the region that make a well rounded, smooth wine. Speck, too, is a must try while in the area: this delicious lightly smoked and cured ham is unlike any other and is good on its own, but also as part of many local recipes. A meal in Bolzano wouldn't be complete without a slice of clas- sic apple strudel, baked according to the traditional recipe of Alto Adige Served with vanilla ice- cream or whipped cream is the ideal way to end your lunch or dinner (or both!) For a very typi- cal meal grab a table at Restaurant Zur Kaiserkron, right in the city center, and order knodels, delicious bread dumplings made with speck and local cheese. Bolzano can be reached by car taking the A22 Modena Brennero highway or by train from Verona, Venice, Bologna and Milan. The closest airports are Verona Villafranca and Innsbruck. Piazza Walther and the Cathedral of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone CHIARA ASSI Firmian castle is home to the Mountain Museum, project of pro-climber Reinhold Messner Speck, a delicious lightly smoked and cured ham is a must try while in the area

• Cover