Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - this is one of the main attractions of Bolzano and a real jewel of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, a symbol of continuous and fruitful fusion of southern and northern cultures. The basilica stands in the heart of the old city on the square Valterplatts.

The first religious building on the site was laid in early Christian times, and then, in the 12th century, was built in a rectangular plan of the church in the Romanesque style. In 1180, the year it was consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the 14th century architects cal brothers from Augsburg gave the cathedral its present gothic appearance - in the lining appeared reddish sandstone from Val Gardena and yellow from the northern parts of South Tyrol. A characteristic element of gothic gargoyles, and are reminiscent of the Parisian cathedral of Notre Dame. One of the most striking achievements of Gothic architecture can be called and a tower with a spire, built in the first half of the 16th century master of the Swabian Hans Lutz.

Striped lancet windows with openwork carving hills and create a feeling of lightness. The main portal of the cathedral is located on the side of the facade, which faces the square Valterplatts. It is elegantly decorated and is considered one of the most beautiful in the South Tyrol - the portal can be seen images of various shapes, including two employees of the winery, dressed in traditional costumes of residents of Bolzano. Just beyond the entrance is a fresco of the 14th century, the creation of which is credited to one of the disciples of the great Giotto. A mural can be seen next to the image of the pilgrim. Also noteworthy Madonna portrait, made in clear white, red and black colors. According to legend, the mother whose children suffered from speech disorder, brought them to this image and leave a few coins. And soon the children started to talk.

The interior of the cathedral, designed in the 14th century, impresses visitors with its scope. This is the first in the history of architecture of the Gothic church with a long central nave and two side aisles, creating the shape of a cross. The most exciting attraction of the church is the pulpit, made in about 1507, the year. It stands on a single pole with a circular base decorated with a lizard. Department itself is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting the four Evangelists. Once the entire interior of the cathedral was decorated with frescoes, but has survived only a few fragments.

Noteworthy are the Baroque main altar, a small side chapel with an altarpiece of the 17th century and the two sculptures - Madonna and Child and Pieta. In the lunette above the entrance to the back wall of the cathedral is the oldest image of the church - a crucifix dated 1300, the year.

At the cathedral's bell tower is a small museum of treasures, which houses one of the richest collections of ritual objects around the Tyrol - the golden Shrine, 13-pound bell, gold-plated, gold and silver statues, ancient priestly vestments, sculptures, antique Bible, murals and etc.