The Isarco Valley has been a march-through valley since primeval times. Here you find old Roman army roads, old places of pilgrimage, Emperors' roads for the coronation of important medieval kings in Rome. Today, everywhere in the Isarco Valley you can find reminders of ancient times and customs, which are still being practiced nowadays.
The Fugger town Vipiteno, the bishop's town Bressanone, and the medieval town Chiusa are true pieces of jewellery in the Isarco Valley. Towers, battlements, gazebos, town gates and arches characterise the towns, as well as a successful mix of traditional South Tyrolean culture and Italian zest for life. Here you can enjoy a shopping spree or participate in a town tour or a cultural hike!
A special tip: a round tour of Bressanone with the night-watchman.
The Isarco Valley has numerous churches and convents to be visited. For example the bishop's dome in Bressanone with the Stations of the Cross is definitely worth a visit. Or visit the Novacella Abbey with its renowned wine cellar. In Chiusa you can visit the Sabiona Abbey or the Acropolis of Tyrol, which hosts a large number of precious pieces of art. The mythic and traditional churches above Barbiano are almost a "must".
Well-fortified buildings can be seen at the slopes of the Isarco Valley. The most remarkable buildings are the Franzensburg Fortress, which was regarded as the safest fortress in Europe – and has never been used. Today, interesting art and science exhibitions are organised here.
If you want to know more about the land, people and history of South Tyrol, you can acquire some knowledge during interesting excursions. For example with a visit to the saws and mills "Pardeller" mill and "Obermühle Saw" in the Luson Valley, archaeological hikes are organised in Velturno, in Laion (presumably the place of birth of Walther von der Vogelweide) you can hike on the traces of the medieval troubadour.