Italy - Things to See - Info

The city's germanic character, enhanced by the narrow cobblestone streets, Austrian-style churches and pervasive bilingual signage give it the unique flavor of a city at crossroads between Italian and Germanic cultures. This, and its natural and cultural attractions make it a renowned tourist destination. Among the major monuments and sights are: * Walther von der Vogelweide Platz, with a statue of the minstrel with the same name (Minnesänger in German), * The Archeological Museum, which hosts the Ötzi mummy, * The Gothic Cathedral, started in 1184, probably on the foundations of a Roman villa and rebuilt in the 14th Century by architects Martin and Peter Schiche (completed 1382), * various castles, including Schloss Maretsch, Schloss Runkelstein and Sigmundskron, * the First World War Victory Monument, a controversial monument built by Mussolini in 1928. For more (historical & geographical) information, see South Tyrol.