Italiaoutdoors Travel Guide to Italy

Graun Im Vinschgau | Bolzano Province

Communita di Graun im Vinschgau

TOWN OF GRAUN IM VINSCHGAU | TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE Graun im Vinschgau, Bolzano Province, in the Trentino Alto Adige Region, located northwest of Bolzano, on the border with Austria and Switzerland. Graun im Vinschgau borders the following municipalities: Mals, Kaunertal (Austria), Nauders (Austria), Pfunds (Austria), Sölden (Austria), Ramosch (Switzerland), Sent (Switzerland), and Tschlin (Switzerland). The village borders Lake Reschen, deepened and extended when the valley was dammed in order to produce hydro-electricity. The original town can no longer be visited, having been abandoned by the time of the dam's completion in July 1950. Graun was rebuilt on the new shores. The ancient half-submerged bell-tower has become a landmark, and is the centrepiece of the commune's coat of arms. History of the township In 15 BC the Celtic people then living in the upper Venosta (Vinschgau) valley found themselves incorporated into the Roman Empire following the construction of a commercial and military route crossing the Alps via what is now known as the Reschen Pass, the route then being called the " Via Claudia Augusta". The transalpine route retained its importance through the medieval period,  renamed as the "Upper Way" ("Oberer Weg"/"Via Superiore") or the "Swabia Road" ("Schwabenweg"/"Via di Svevia"). After 450 a wave of Christian missionaries arrived from Chur. By the time of the Black death (1348), from which most of the population of the time died, most of the Vinschgau Valley, including Graun, had been settled by German speakers. The exception being the side valley of Müstair, where the Romansh language survives to this day. German has remained the majority language in Graun since and as of 2011 German was the first language for more than 97% of its population.

Need Help Planning Your Italy Vacation

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer: Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy. Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy. Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore. Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers. Booking assistance and suggested contacts.

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The provinces of trentino-alto adige | Bolzano 

Guide to the Bolzano province Bolzano or Bozen in German is in the South Tyrol (Alto Adige in Italian) area and is the capital of the mainly German speaking autonomous province of Bolzano-Südtirol. Today 3/4 of the city's inhabitants are Italians whose first language is Italian. The remainder speak German. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, the city of Bolzano is an important centre in the Alpine area. Bolzano is an economic and cultural cenre of the Alto Adige and the administrative centre of politics of the South Tyrolean autonomy. Since the foundation of the Free University of Bolzano in the mid ’90s, the city has also become a multilingual research and educational centre and is the connection between the German-speaking and Italian-speaking cultures. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CITY In prehistoric times, the Bolzano dip was uninhabitable since it was a swamp area, often flooded by the three rivers (Adige/Etsch, Isarco/Eisack and Talvera/Talfer).Therefore the first human settlements were established at the foot of the mountains and on the surrounding heights. In the year 15 BC, Drusus, adoptive son of Emperor Augustus, subdued the whole territory of the Adige and Isarco valleys and constructed in the Bolzano area a bridge (Pons Drusi) and a road post. The precise location of this post - probably small and not very significant - is controversial. After the fall of the Roman Empire the region was invaded several times by the Goths, the Franks, the Lombards and the Bavarians. In the 11th century, Emperor Conrad II granted the Bishop of Trento Ulderico II the land in feud. The Bishop expropriated a vineyard belonging to the monastery of Tegernsee and promoted the foundation of the first urban nucleus, corresponding to today's Portici, a favourite street for commercial activity (street junction for the communication between north and south). The city was constructed during the 12th and 13th century: the city walls and a drainage ditch were built and it obtained municipal rights. In 1277 it passed under the rule of the Counts of Tyrol and in 1366 to the Habsburgs, thereby increasing its commercial inclination and expanding into the zone of today's town centre. The medieval urban structure remained almost intact until the middle of the 18th century, when the town architect Sebastian Altman from Munich was entrusted with the drawing up of a project for the construction of a district of the new city. In 1918, after World War I South Tyrol and Bozen were occupied by Italians and thereafter annexed. During fascism many Italians were moved to the city from southern Italy and, after a pact between Hitler and Mussolini, the majority of habitants of Bozen who spoke German had to choose between moving to Germany or assimilation (the so-called 'Opzione' or 'Option'). The fascist period also saw the development of the industrial area but mainly caused great damage to the environment and the landscape. WHAT TO SEE IN BOLZANO The historical centre is rich in monuments: Piazza Walther/Waltherplatz is considered the elegant heart of the city.Built by King Maximilian of Bavaria in 1808, the square initially carried his name, then that of Archduke John of Austria (Johannesplatz) and received in 1901 that of Walther von der Vogelweide, the most prominent medieval German poet (1170 -1230). The mighty Gothic structure of the Duomo/Dom, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption (open Mon-Fri 9.45-12 a.m./2-5 p.m., Sat 9.45-12 a.m.) faces the square from its south-west side. Construction was started in 1295, in Romanesque style, by Lombard workmen, continued in 1340 in Gothic style by Swabian labour and was finished during the first decades of the 15th century. Its 65-metre high bell tower, with its rising lacy pinnacle of sandstone, is the work of the Swabian architect and sculptor Hans Lutz von Schussenried (1501-1519). From the Colle/Kohlern mountain protrudes the rocky spur of Virgolo/Virgl on which rises the baroque Chiesa del Calvario/Kalvarienkirche by Pietro and Andrea Delai (1684). The construction is not very large but interesting due to the presence of stucco work, paintings, wooden statues etc.From the churchyard one can enjoy a splendid view of the western quarters of the city.A little higher, one finds the old church of S. Vigilio /St. Vigil-Kapelle in Virgolo/Virgl, dating back to the 12th century.The church has been deconsecrated and closed for some time now, but it is of particular interest for its precious frescoes of the School of Bolzano - unfortunately partly ruined - from around 1400. The Museo Archeologico/Archeologisches Museum is the new home of the Similaun Man, the approximately 5300 year old mummy found in 1991 on the glacier of Similaun. The exhibition area is 1200 square meters, distributed on 4 floors, and presents the history of South Tyrol from its dawn to the beginning of the Middle Ages, with original finds, models, holograms, videos and audio guides. The mummy, now nicknamed "Otzi", is preserved on the first floor together with the story of the find and reports of a medical-scientific nature. In temperature controlled glass cases the clothes and tools found by the side of "Otzi" are also on display. EXPLORING AROUND BOLZANO There are four main bike paths to explore from Bolzano. Bolzano to Merano Bolzano to Bressanone Bolzano to Trento Appiano Wine Road There are also two cable cars that take you up to the mountains above the city.

Italiaoutdoors Travel Guide to Italy

Brunico | Bolzano Province

Communita di Brunico

TOWN OF BRUNICO | TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE Brunico (Bruneck) is located in the Trentino Alto Adige region, to the north east of Bolzano.  The city lies in the mountain valley that separates the Italian Dolomites from the Alps, and is overlooked by wooded slopes and the Kronplatz mountain and ski resort. Knowing a bit of German will help you get around when you visit Brunico. What to See in Brunico The city of Brunico dates from the 13th century, and the old centre is a lovely market town with narrow streets and medieval houses.  The old main street is full of colourfully painted houses, many with attractive balconies and hanging flower displays, there are several small statures hidden in corners and ancient doorways that give Brunico its character. The Old Town is built around the picturesque “Monte del Castello” [“Mount of the Castle”], which once belonged to the Bishops of Brixen. The road called Via Principale is rich in historic mansions, among them that of Michael Pacher (1430-1498), a famous South-Tyrolean painter and sculptor.  As well as simply exploring the streets of this quaint town it is well worth visiting the churches, of which there are several of interest. The Brunico castle is surrounded by a massive wall with towers. The castle is still well preserved. The entrance, on the south side of the castle, was originally only accessible via a drawbridge and consists of a late Gothic portal, dated 1584. On the tower above is the coat of arms of Bishop Andreas von Österreich (1591-1600). Brunico Civic Museum holds the collection of Michael and Friedrich Pacher, with graphic works of the region by modern and contemporary artists and a section devoted to "graphics and literature".  On the ground floor is the permanent exhibition of late Gothic works by Michael Pacher (1430-1498) and apprentices and some valuable woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). The Museum of Customs in Brunico is interesting from the standpoint of local folklore. It is an open air museum, with several mills, granaries and local traditional furnishings. The War Cemetery, where the fallen are buried from the Dolomite battle front during the First World War.i WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN BRUNICO The local cuisine of Brunico is very Austrian or Tyrolean and there are plenty of restaurants offering traditional dishes.  Specialities of the area are goulash, canederli, and wild game with mushrooms. There are no wines produced in the valley so most wines will be from the Bolzano area or the Adige Valley. OUTDOOR SPORTS IN BRUNICO Brunico is famous with tourists for both its summer and winter sports. The ski area “Plan de Corones” offers excellent opportunities to ski, sledding, cross country skiing, or snowboarding.  During the summer that are plenty of hiking trails to explore, mountain bike, or road bike.  Guide to the Tobl Bouldering Site, Trentino Italy Guide to the Neu-gais Bouldering Site, Trentino Italy Guide to the Villa Santa Caterina Bouldering Area, Trentino Italy Alta Vie Hiking Trail n1, Dolomites

Need Help Planning Your Italy Vacation

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer: Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy. Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy. Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore. Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers. Booking assistance and suggested contacts.

For More Travel Planning Assistance

Italiaoutdoors Travel Guide to Italy

Merano | Bolzano Province

Communita di Merano

TOWN OF MERANO | TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE Merano - Meran, Province of Bolzano, Trentino Alto Adige, Italy, Merano - Meran is probably best known as a spa resort, the second biggest city of the province (after Bozen-Bolzano) and located inside a basin, surrounded by mountains (1500-3335 m), at the entrance to the Passeiertal-Val Passiria, the Vinschgau-Val Venosta and the Ultental-Val d'Ultimo valleys. In the past, this idyllic town has been a popular place of residence for many famous scientists and doctors, who appreciated the mild, Mediterranean climate and the healthy air. Meran was the capital of the Tyrol county from 1418 to 1848. When Friedrich IV moved the court to Innsbruck in 1420, Merano quickly lost its predominant position and its importance as an economic hub. Only the Tyrolean struggle for freedom of 1809 drew a lot of attention again: on the Küchelberg above Meran the Tyroleans eked out a victory against the French and the Bavarians. HISTORY OF MERANO Once the home of the ancient Retic tribes, then an important transit centre, later a fortified Medieval town, Merano was chosen as capital of the then Tyrol region from the thirteenth century on and also administrative centre of the Burgraviate area stretching from Tel at the opening of the Venosta valley to Gargazzone in the Adige valley. The town retained its title as capital even when the new Counts of Tyrol moved their administration offices and the civic mint to Innsbruck in the fifteenth century but, then no longer politically nor economically important, Merano then later became simply a popular residential centre for the Tyrolean nobility who chose to build their sumptuous residences here in the sixteenth century. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries many refugees from the Grigioni area arrived in Merano to escape from religious persecution in their homeland. The nineteenth century marked the rebirth of the town when some of the local doctors together with an attentive town administration proposed Merano as a health spa and it soon became one of the most popular resorts in Central Europe. 324 metres above sea level, protected by the mountains from the cold north, the town has a delightfully mild climate and, soon, Hapsburg, Prussian, English, French and Russian nobility and aristocracy graced the resort with their presence.  Luxurious hotels and elegant public buildings were to be seen everywhere and it seemed that nothing could go wrong until the First World War broke out in 1914 and everything came to a temporary halt. It was necessary to re-promote the town between the two wars but the discovery of the health-giving radio-active waters at Monte San Vigilio helped until,once again, development was interrupted by the start of the Second World War. Merano has slowly regained its name as a health spa and tourist centre in recent years. Its elegant buildings and beautiful gardens and parks help make the town truly unique in the whole Alpine region. Merano boasts some of the most beautiful examples Liberty-style buildings in the whole SudTirol Area: The Civic Theatre, dedicated to the famous composer Puccini, was designed in 1900 by Martin Düfler. The Post Office Bridge with its wonderfully ornate Liberty-style golden railings was built in 1906 and recently restored in 1993. The Kurhaus, a magnificent building, designed by Vienna architect Friedrich Ohmann in 1914, is, without doubt, the loveliest example of Liberty-style architecture in the entire Alpine region. The great hall holds over 1,000 people and is equipped to host international congresses, conferences, exhibitions and concerts.. The adjacent elegant Pavillon des Fleurs, built in 1874, has seating for 300. After World War I, Merano became part of Italy with the rest of the Alto Adige, but unlike Bolzano the plans of the fascist regime to assimilate the German speaking citizens by settling a majority of citizens from other parts of the Italian kingdom failed because of skillful negotations of the city administration led by Baron Marcart. After 1945, it became one of the main tourist sites in the region.

Need Help Planning Your Italy Vacation

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer: Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy. Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy. Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore. Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers. Booking assistance and suggested contacts.

For More Travel Planning Assistance