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Square · Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Ádige
Piazza Walther
Bolzano's main square, with the statue of the medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, the Duomo on one side and the historic centre just behind. It hosts the Christmas market.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Piazza Walther
Piazza Walther is known as the living room of Bolzano. Until the early 19th century the site was a vineyard enclosed outside the walls. In 1808 the land was sold to the city and became a square, which changed names several times until, in 1889, it received the marble statue of the poet Walther von der Vogelweide, giving it its current name.
On the south side stands the Duomo, with its Gothic bell tower, and around the square are 19th- and 20th-century buildings, cafés with pavement seating and the start of the streets of the historic centre. To the north, a few steps lead to Piazza del Grano and Via dei Portici.
From late November to early January the square usually hosts Bolzano's Christmas market, with wooden stalls, crafts and Tyrolean food. The rest of the year it is the city's meeting point and the easiest place to start a walking tour.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes, plus time for a coffee.
Best time
Late in the afternoon, when café tables fill up. Between late November and early January, during the Christmas market season, it tends to be busier at weekends.
How to get there
In central Bolzano, a 5-minute walk from Bolzano/Bozen station via Viale della Stazione.
Tip
Use the square as a starting point: the Duomo is next to it, the Chiesa dei Domenicani two blocks away and Via dei Portici just to the north. Keep an eye on your belongings when the square is crowded, during the Christmas market season.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piazza Walther
Who was Walther von der Vogelweide?
A German-language medieval poet and minstrel. His statue, inaugurated in 1889, gave the square its name.
When is Bolzano's Christmas market?
It usually runs from late November to early January in Piazza Walther. Confirm the exact dates for the year before you go.
What is near the square?
The Duomo on the south side; the Chiesa dei Domenicani to the west; and the Via dei Portici with Piazza delle Erbe to the north, all a few minutes on foot.