Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the main attractions of Bolzano and a real gem of Gothic-Romanesque architecture, the symbol of continuous and fruitful merger of southern and Northern cultures. The Cathedral stands in the heart of the old town on the square valterplatts.

The first religious building on this site was laid in early Christian times, and then, in the 12th century, was built a rectangular Romanesque style Church. In 1180, the year it was consecrated in honor of the assumption of the blessed virgin Mary. In the 14th century, architects brothers Skye from Augsburg gave the Cathedral its current Gothic appearance – in lining appeared reddish Sandstone from Val Gardena and yellow from the Northern parts of South Tyrol. Typical Gothic element and are gargoyles, reminiscent of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral. One of the brightest achievements of Gothic architecture can be called a tower with a spire, built in the first half of the 16th century Swabian master Hans Lutzen.

Alternating Lancet Windows with tracery carvings create the feeling of the greatness and ease. The main portal of the Cathedral is located on the side facade, facing the square Valterplatts. It is tastefully decorated and is considered one of the most beautiful in all of South Tyrol on the portal you can see images of various figures, including two employees of the winery, dressed in traditional costumes of the inhabitants of Bolzano. Just beyond the entrance is a fresco of the 14th century, the creation of which is attributed to one of the disciples of the great Giotto. And next to the mural shows the image of a pilgrim. Also noteworthy is the portrait of the Madonna, made in clear, white, red and black colors. According to the legend, a mother whose children suffered from impaired speech, brought them to this picture and leave a few coins. And soon the children began 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 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 around 1507, the year. She stands on a single pole with a round base decorated with images of lizards. The pulpit is decorated with reliefs depicting the four Evangelists. Once the entire interior of the Cathedral was painted with frescoes, however, survived only a few fragments.

Noteworthy are also the Baroque main altar, a small side chapel with an altarpiece from the 17th century and two sculptures of the Madonna and Child and Pieta. And in the lunette above the entrance to the back wall of the Cathedral is the oldest image in the Church of the crucifixion, dated 1300-m year.

The Cathedral bell tower is a small treasure Museum, which houses one of the richest collections of ritual objects in the Tyrol - the Golden tabernacle, 13-pound bell, covered with gold, gold and silver statues, ancient vestments of the priests, sculpture, antique Bible, murals, etc.