Soprabolzano

The Wonderful Soprabolzano

Soprabolzano is a small tourist resort located on the top of Renon plateau, in the province of Bolzano, Italy. The view ranges from the Dolomites to the glaciers of the Central Alps, making this place a true paradise for the eyes.

The History of Soprabolzano

The toponym "Oberpoazen" was found in the notarial registers of Jakob Haas in 1237 and 1242, and "Oberbotzen" in 1302. In 1923, during the fascist period, the name was Italianized to "Soprabolzano". Since the early 1900s, this location was already a popular tourist destination.

The beauty of Soprabolzano: nature, history, and culture.

Walks and Attractions

There are numerous well-marked trails that lead to alpine pastures, alpine farms, Renon earth pyramids, and beautiful lakes. Costalovara lake is the largest. These paths are immersed in the woods and offer an incredible panoramic view. It is possible to explore on foot or by bike.

Connections

Soprabolzano is connected to Bolzano by a long cable car. From above, the Renon Railway also passes, crossing the plateau. On one side, Collalbo (Klobenstein), the seat of the municipality, is reached, and on the other is Maria Assunta (Maria Himmelfahrt), a noble holiday resort of Bolzano since the end of the 1600s. It is said that the German term "Sommerfrische" (summer freshness at altitude) was first used by the bourgeoisie of Bolzano in Soprabolzano.

Patricians and Culture

In the vast area of ​​Soprabolzano, there are patrician houses of some of the most important families in Bolzano. Among them are Menz, Walther von Herbstenburg, counts Toggenburg, Amonn or Hepperger. In 1668, these families gathered in their own guild of Tiroler Schützen called "Oberbozner Schützen-Gesellschaft". There is still a shooting range adorned with precious shooting boards (the so-called "Schießscheiben").

Monuments and Churches

In 1923, the famous anthropologist Bronisław Malinowski spent the summer in Soprabolzano with his wife Elsie Masson and their three daughters. The parish church of the place, erected between 1989 and 1991, is dedicated to the Blessed Rupert Mayer, a German Catholic resistance fighter.

Notes and Bibliography

Soprabolzano is an ideal destination for those who love nature and the open air. In addition to the natural paths, there are also cultural and religious events throughout the year. If you want to learn more about Soprabolzano and its history, we recommend consulting the books in the bibliography.

Conclusions

Soprabolzano is an enchanting place, immersed in Alpine nature. There are many attractions and the view is breathtaking. In addition, Soprabolzano is rich in history and culture. If you are in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful tourist resort.

Giovanni Rinaldi
Updated Saturday, Feb 26, 2022