February 14: Festival of Lovers, Stories from Bolzano
February 14: Festival of Lovers, Stories from Bolzano
Valentine's Day in Bolzano: On February 14th, the city surprises its guests - this time in a romantic way. By the way, few people know that Bolzano is associated with a second St. Valentine, not just the Bishop of Terni, who is celebrated worldwide as the patron saint of lovers, but also with St. Valentine of Rhaetia. He is depicted on a magnificent, large canvas in the main auction hall of the Bolzano Mercantile Building.
Valentin preaches to the Councillors
The painting shows Valentin von Mals preaching to the Rhaetians and smashing their idols. Born in the Netherlands, he was Bishop of Raetia, a region between the Gotthard, Chur, Brixen, Regensburg and Passau. He died around 475 as a hermit on the Zenoberg near Meran. In addition to the impressive painting of St. Valentine of Raetia, the Mercantile Building also houses another piece of history connects Bolzano with love: The most famous seducer of all time, Giacomo Casanova, lived here for a short time.
Giacomo Casanova on the Run
In the extensive archives of the Bolzano merchant Georg Menz, which are also kept in the museum of the Mercantile Building, a letter of formal notice was found, addressed to the Venetian adventurer, demanding payment of a debt. After his escape from the Lead Chambers, Venice's notorious prison, Casanova stayed in Bolzano to renew his wardrobe. He is also said to have remained true to his nature ...
Further surprises and romantic locations in Bolzano will be revealed during themed guided tours organized by the tourist office on Friday, 14 February and Saturday, 15 February. At the end, an aperitif will be served on the terrace of the Meta restaurant.
Tour Times and Program
Friday, February 14, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 15, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Route:
- Start at Waltherplatz under the monument to Walther von der Vogelweide with love poems
- Palais Menz and the love frescoes by Carl Henrici
- Menz Passage: Annette von Menz, the French bride
- Obstmarkt: Hotel Sonne and Casanova
- Wassergrabenstraße: “Women's House” (brothel)
- City Museum: The object of the month, the love spoon from Horn
- Chamber of Commerce building: Auction hall and hall of honor
- Palais Campofranco: The story of Archduke Heinrich and Leopoldine
Image: Runkelstein Castle, Courtesy Campanile