Bolzano Cathedral

Bolzano, Italy

Cathedral of the Diocese of Bolzano conceals the vestiges of an early Christian, a late Medieval and a Romanesque basilica (1180). After one century the site has opened into a new imposing construction, completed around 1420, synthesizing, over a few decades, the intervention of Lombard mastery with the Gothic style of the Suevian mastery. The bell tower, with an open fretwork spire in sandstone, which stands 65m tall, was built by the Suevian architect, Hans Lutz von Schusseried, between 1501 and 1519.

The beautiful Crucifix was made by the Veronese School. The Romanesque portal is located on the western side with prothyrum and column-bearing lions and the rose window (restored after the bombings of the Second World War). The fresco of Mother and Child is attributed to Friedrich Pacher (1475).

The Gothic sandstone pulpit was created by Hans Lutz von Schussenried and the baroque altar in polychrome marble (1710-1720) by the Veronese Ranghieri and Allio.

In the churchyard south of the building you can view the beautiful monument to Peter Mayr.

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Founded: 1180
Category: Religious sites in Italy

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Marta Silva (6 months ago)
Wonderful gothic church in downtown Bolzano with an even more impressive interior. The church even has massive golden statues and centuries-old relics on display. The entry is free but you can buy and light up a candle.
Highway Video (7 months ago)
I didn’t get a chance to go inside, however, the exterior alone is stunning. The intricate Gothic architecture, with its towering spire and detailed stonework, is truly impressive. The cathedral stands as a beautiful focal point in the heart of Bolzano. The surrounding square adds to the charm, making it a pleasant place to walk around and take in the sights. I’d love to return and explore the interior next time!
E D (9 months ago)
A beautiful cathedral in the city center of Bolzano - it looks great and definitely worth a visit to take some photos from the outside, and have a look on the inside.
Natasha Kulagina (2 years ago)
Very interesting example of gothic. Unfortunately paintings need some restauration works, but the Cathedral itself is big and impressionant. Loved the wooden works and pink stone sculptures
ChompinkSaint (2 years ago)
Bolzano Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to the artistic vision of its builders. The cornerstone was laid in the 14th century, and its design reflected a blend of local influences and broader European styles. Inspired by the surrounding Dolomite mountains, the cathedral's architects incorporated elements reminiscent of the jagged peaks into the pointed arches and spires. The exterior, adorned with intricate stone carvings, depicted scenes from local folklore and biblical tales, creating a unique narrative etched into the very fabric of the cathedral. Inside, a play of light and shadow orchestrated by stained glass windows created a spiritual ambiance. The architects ingeniously designed the nave to symbolize the journey of life, with pillars representing milestones and the vaulted ceiling reaching towards the divine. Bolzano Cathedral became not just a place of worship but a living chronicle of the region's history and culture. Each visit offered a visual dialogue between the sacred and the secular, as the architecture itself became a storyteller, whispering tales of faith, resilience, and the beauty of the Alpine landscape.
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