Bolzano was one of Karin’s surprises. The Europe Through the Back Door guides can add stops if time permits. Karin explained that stopping at Bolzano would break up the drive from the Alps to Venice, and it would allow us to experience an al fresco lunch from the marketplace. Although Bolzano is picturesque enough to warrant a stop on its own merits, Glen found it to be a special treat because Bolzano is home to the "Ötzi" exhibit, part of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Typical of Italian towns, the square or piazza has a statue commemorating a local historical figure and fountains. Notice the lions?

Many communities in Italy have narrow streets and limited or no automobile traffic in areas. Besides, cars are expensive to own and operate, so bicycles and motor scooters are very common.

 

Lisa: Bolzano has many streets filled with markets selling fruits, vegetables, other food, flowers, and lots more. This photograph of Bolzano's flower market is one of my very favorite pictures from Italy. As a group, we shared our pictures and we were very lucky because many of our group are excellent photographers. Thank you Vic for this one!

"Ötzi", often referred to as "the iceman", is a natural mummy from about 53 centuries ago, found in 1991 in the Schnalstal glacier in the Ötztal Alps (hence his name). You can read more about him on Wikipedia. As shown, pamphlets and tickets were themed to his display. Glen, a practitioner and instructor of primitive skills, particularly enjoyed getting to tour the Ötzi display and the rest of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

        

Click below to watch breezy Bolzano (2:04)