The arcades in Bozen

The emblem of Bozen in Southern South Tyrol

Wrought-iron crest and illuminated panels, showcases and shop-windows: who walks through the arcades in Bozen - called Lauben in German - couldn’t help but wonder. Shops, restaurants, cafes and stores: in the arcades workaday life takes place.

And this was so already in the 12th century, when the arcades were built from the bishops of Brixen, to start up the trade in Bozen. In fair times the arcades were hired to traders from the North and the South and even today they serve the same purpose: in the arcades the traders show their goods and they store it in the arches.

What not everyone knows: the arcade-houses have an open patio, which provides light and the houses are 3 or 4 floors deep. The cellars were and are used also for storing different goods.

The arcades are going through Bozen from West to East and are the main attraction of the old town. The arcades are architecturally singular and they build the most extraordinary and at the same time traditionally shopping-street of South Tyrol.

Side note: through the arcade-streets even today flows the subterranean river Ritsch, which once a time gave water to the arcade-houses. Today you can notice the river only because of the paving of the street.

If you want to know more about the history of the arcades please visit the merchandising-museum of Bozen in Southern South Tyrol:

Lauben 39
39100 Bozen
Tel.: +39 0471 945702
Fax: +39 0471 945601

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