During a vacation in South Tyrol you'll discover the
"land in the mountains". This is how South Tyrol was called in the Middle Ages, since two thirds of the region's surface are located above 1500 metres of altitude. The high-alpine pastures and mountain regions are almost invisible from the valleys, where the economic and cultural life has been established along South Tyrol's big rivers. Here, the mountains only seem like very beautiful scenery in the backdrop.
The geographic centre of South Tyrol is in the community of Villanders, just below the Mountain of Villandro/Villanders. Hence, the Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof is located in the heart of South Tyrol, and thus provides the
perfect starting point for your vacation in South Tyrol. From here you can discover the entire region with its cities and cultural centres.
A vacation in South Tyrol means pure variety
Due to the central position, the cities of South Tyrol are located in the immediate vicinity of the Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof. Visit Bolzano with its
Italian flair on one day, the medieval bishop's town of Bressanone on another, or Merano with its Mediterranean climate... Find here, a portrait of South Tyrolean cities.
Chiusa | Klausen
Klausen (in Italian Chiusa) is known as the artist town, since it attracted innumerable painters during the course of history. Albrecht Dürer fell in love with this city in 1494, and immortalised his impressions in his stitch work "Das große Glück" (The Big Happiness). The imposing Sabiona Convent, the so-called
"Acropolis of Tyrol", thrones over residential buildings and guesthouses, and over the narrow picturesque alleyways, which were once the main traffic road for the entire traffic from the north to Italy.
Our tips: Visit to the medieval old town and the Apostle's Church, the Capuchin garden, the Loreto Church with the Loreto treasure, and of course a walk up to Sabiona Convent, the "Acropolis of Tyrol".
Bressanone | Brixen
Being more than 1100 years old, Brixen (or Bressanone in Italian) is the
oldest city in Tyrol. Many artistic highlights in the city provide proof of this long history, the picturesque alleys, the old city gates, the archways and bridges. The clerical district of Brixen is of special importance, since it was the bishop's residence for many years. Especially the dome and the cloister, but also the numerous churches and chapels in the suburbs of Bressanone, and of course the Convent of
Novacella/Neustift, are amongst the most important artistic sites in South Tyrol. A must-do during a vacation in South Tyrol is a city round tour of the city of Bressanone.
Our tips: Visit to the dome in Bressanone with the famous cloister, shopping under the archways in the old town, a visit to Hofburg and the Diocesan Museum, and the Stufels city district.
Bolzano | Bozen
The
capital of South Tyrol is the political, economic and cultural centre of the region. Even during the times of the Roman Empire, Bozen (Italian: Bolzano) was an important trade centre, and for many centuries, artists and poets visited Bolzano on their trips to Italy. This busy coming and going influenced intellectual life in the city. Today, Bolzano is a prosperous city with about 100,000 inhabitants enjoying the Mediterranean climate and the beautiful surroundings. During a holiday in South Tyrol, Bolzano is the best place to experience the
different cultures of South Tyrol.
Our tips: Visit to the old town of Bolzano with Walther Square, the dome, the fruit market, the Dominican Convent, Runkelstein Castle with its famous frescos, and the museums of the city (Museum of Archaeology with the ice mummy "Ötzi", Messner Mountain Museum, Museum of Modern Art).
Merano | Meran
The former spa town of the Habsburg Monarchy is protected from the rough north air by mountain chains, and therefore enjoys a truly mild,
Mediterranean climate. Mediterranean and subtropical plants like cactuses and cypresses grow here thanks to the special climatic conditions.
Our tips: Walk along the Cure Promenade and the archways, visit the St. Nikolaus parish church, and the renowned botanic gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle.
Vipiteno | Sterzing
The Fugger merchant's city of Sterzing (Italian: Vipiteno) used to be a flourishing trade town during the times of the Roman Empire and in the Middle Ages. Still today, it hosts many art-historic treasures (Multsch altar). Between
splendid building walls you'll find the shopping street with elegant shops.
Our tips: Visit to the late-gothic town hall, the Nepomuk statue, the parish church, the Hospice Church, shopping in the historic old town.
Brunico | Bruneck
The city was founded in 1250 by Bishop Bruno from Bressanone, in order to establish a counterbalance to the secular power of the Tyrolean princes in the nearby village of St. Lorenzen. Today, Bruneck (Italian: Brunico) is the
capital of the green Valley Pustertal (Val Pusteria), and has preserved its medieval flair.
Our tips:
Visit to the Ursuline Gate and the Ursuline Church, the Rain Church, Brunico Castle with the Messner Mountain Museum, and a walk through the medieval old town.
All cities can be easily reached from the Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof. Enjoy the most beautiful sides of a vacation in South Tyrol.