The very center of Bolzano is considered to be the Walther Square, borrowing its name from the poet Walther von der Vogelweide that is represented in a statue displayed in the middle of the square. Until four centuries ago it was only a vineyard that slowly started to develop because of tourism requiring the constructions of hotels and inns, some of them are still present.

Walther Square lies about in the middle of the not so big historical center of Bolzano and it’s a favorite meeting point for the local population. Several cafes are arranged around the square and the feeling is like being in Bavaria rather than in Italy. While three sides are lined by historical buildings, the south border of the square is more open towards the not so far away hills and is only partially closed by the Catholic Cathedral.

It’s at the end of November that the famous Christmas Market begins and goes on until the first week of January. Several rows of stands are arranged around the square and displaying souvenirs and decorations while many locals and students come here to taste Glühwein, a hot and flavored wine. Not far from Walther Square is an alternative less commercial market displaying the artisanal work of local artists, from leather to glass to jewelry.