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Street · Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Ádige
Via dei Portici
Medieval commercial street of Bolzano, from the late 12th century, with arcades on both sides, old shops and, at one end, the Piazza delle Erbe and its fruit and vegetable 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 Via dei Portici
The Via dei Portici, Laubengasse in German, is Bolzano's oldest and busiest street. It was opened at the end of the 12th century by order of the prince-bishop of Trento and from the start concentrated the town's trade, which lived off the routes between Italy and Germany. The arcades were wooden until a fire in 1224; afterwards they were rebuilt in masonry.
Houses are narrow and deep: the shop was at the front, with storage and the dwelling behind, reaching to the parallel street. Today the arcades house clothing shops, craft stores and Tyrolean products, as well as historic buildings such as the old town hall and the Museo Mercantile, about the history of the town's merchants.
At the west end the street opens onto the Piazza delle Erbe, where the market of fruit, vegetables, breads, cheeses and speck, the region's smoked ham, operates. The market usually runs Monday through Saturday; check before you go. At the other end is the Piazza del Municipio.
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
1 hour, including the market at the Piazza delle Erbe.
Best time
In the morning, when the Piazza delle Erbe market is set up and shops open. On Sundays many shops are closed.
How to get there
In the historic center, a 3-minute walk north of the Piazza Walther, via the Piazza del Grano.
Tip
Buy fruit, rye bread and speck at the Piazza delle Erbe for a picnic on the Renon. On rainy days, the arcades let you stroll without getting wet.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Via dei Portici
When does the Piazza delle Erbe market operate?
It usually runs Monday to Saturday, from morning until late afternoon. Check before you go.
Why are the houses on Via dei Portici so long?
Because each combined a shop, a warehouse and a residence. The front faced the shopping street and the rear extended to the parallel street.
Are shops open on Sundays?
Most do not. It’s better to visit the street from Monday to Saturday.