Ötzi
the Iceman resides in the northern Italian city of Bolzano (also known
as Bozen).
I
can't recommend a visit to Bolzano highly enough. The city is full of many charms in this corner of
northern Italy. Just
south of the Austrian border, Bolzano was not always part of Italy,
and the German-Austrian influences are apparent in the architecture.
Don't be surprised if you hear German spoken (or at least the local
dialect of it). Most residents are multi-lingual.
If
you are driving into Bolzano, don't hesitate to park in
a garage on your way into town (or you'll spend
forever trying to find a street space). There is a large
multi-story car park near the train station. The streets are narrow, as in most Italian towns, and
there are many pedestrian-only areas that make walking a pleasure.
It is a special treat to be there in December with all of the
Christmas displays and the charming Christmas market, which carries hand-crafted and
locally-produced goods.
But any time of the year will be memorable; Bolzano is simply that
kind of town.
But the
food is not bound by any language: pastry, pizza, pasta, bread,
cheese, and fresh produce, flowers, and clothing (in the market
stalls). What more could you want?
My
hotel recommendation is the Parkhotel
Laurin, near
the city center. The appeal: charming rooms (each individually
decorated) and the best breakfast buffet I have ever encountered.
The hotel is a member of SRS Hotels and often offers special rates
(especially on the weekend). But it is a popular hotel with
Europeans, and it is best to book well ahead of time. Do not miss
the opportunity to take a meal in the hotel restaurant.
But if
you are looking for something much less expensive, the center of
town boasts a good pizzeria. Near the market square, Subito
Pizzeria offers many varieties, including prosciutto. Subito is a
small chain (there's also a branch in Innsbruck, Austria, among
other places). You have to stand up to eat (or take out a slice or
two and eat in one of the nearby squares), but you won't mind
especially if the pizza has just come out of the oven.
You can check
air fares and hotels at travelocity.com here:
