Start your walking tour of Bolzano on Piazza Walther, completed in 1808 on the orders of King Massimiliano di Baviera. Dedicated to the great German poet, Walther von der Vogelweide (1170-1230) in 1901, the square is also home to the late medieval and Romanesque-style Bolzano Cathedral. Admire the open fretwork of the Bell Tower, built by the Suevian architect, Hans Lutz von Schusseried between 1501 and 1519.
Continue to one of the oldest sites in Bolzano as you make your way to the Vicolo della Pesa, the former castle of the Prince-Bishops of Trento. Discover one of the city's most picturesque buildings at the former weigh-house of the Casa della Pesa.
Then, explore the historic heart of the city on Via and Piazza della Mostra, and see the arcades (portici) so characteristic of the city along with the prestigious palaces of Campofranco. Marvel at how they have kept their appearance up to date with a seamless continuity of shops, some typical and traditional and others chic and modern.
Go to Piazza del Municipio, and stroll along Via Bottai and Via Joseph Streiter to admire the glorious ironwork signs and enchanting inns. Continue along Via Argentieri and through Piazza delle Erbe to reach the Dominican church where the friars who settled in 1272 built their church inside a large convent of different chapels and a magnificent cloister. The jewel of the entire complex is the long and narrow side chapel of the Cappella di San Giovanni with the most magnificent fresco cycle of the Giotto School.
Then, take a 30-minute walk to medieval Roncolo Castle, famous for its fresco cycle with illustrations of authentic knight sagas, literature scenarios, court ladies, farm life and hunting scenes from the Middle Ages. For those interested in the arts and history this is an especially perfect place to conclude your tour!