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

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Natasha Kulagina (5 months 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 (6 months 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.
Nick Pastore (8 months ago)
Flipping amazing! Definitely a Church to see. The interior is fantastic and so many great things to see and experience
Kamila Świerska (13 months ago)
Majestic place. Looks very nice from outside. Located in the main square of Bolzano.
Uday Kiran (15 months ago)
Architecture of this cathedral is amazing. You immediately feel the the medieval vibe. Hadn't been inside the church but it looks gorgeous from outside, located right in the centre of the city next to the main square. Very well maintained, especially when it's Christmas time, the area completely changes it's look with lighting and Christmas market next to the cathedral.
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