Casa della Pesa Weigh House
A historic medieval weigh house in Bolzano's old town, crucial for trade and now a well-preserved architectural gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for viewing details
Casa della Pesa Weigh House
Best Time
Best light for viewing details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic medieval weigh house in Bolzano's old town, crucial for trade and now a well-preserved architectural gem.
"It seems like an important historical monument, crucial to the life of the city."
Check for Access
Often closed for restoration; verify if interior access or exterior viewing is possible before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best light to appreciate the building's preserved details and frescoes. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Frescoed North Gate
North Gate
A visual reminder of the building's historical function as a public weighbridge for grain.
Arched Portico
Facing Piazza del Grano
Added in the late 15th century, this architectural feature opened the building to the city's vibrant square.
Sandstone Window Frames
Exterior Facade
Details from 16th and 17th-century renovations that add character to the well-preserved structure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Role
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Access
Often closed for restoration; verify if interior access or exterior viewing is possible before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best light to appreciate the building's preserved details and frescoes. :sunrise:
Explore Piazza del Grano
The Weigh House is central to this historic square, offering context to its medieval importance. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Access
Often closed for restoration; verify if interior access or exterior viewing is possible before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best light to appreciate the building's preserved details and frescoes. :sunrise:
Explore Piazza del Grano
The Weigh House is central to this historic square, offering context to its medieval importance. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Casa della Pesa to be a well-preserved historical monument, offering a glimpse into Bolzano's medieval trade. While often closed for restoration, its exterior details and location in Piazza del Grano are appreciated. Some express disappointment at limited access, hoping for future opportunities to see the interior.
"Very well preserved"
Strahinja Mladenović
"Nice place to be and to be seen, particularly in the morning; don’t miss the Prosecco!"
Michael Hamp
"Weighing House
Around Piazza del Grano, the heart of the medieval city of Bolzano, stood the Palace of the Prince Bishops, together with the Chapel of Sant'Andrea, a massive residential tower and, to the north, adjacent to Via dei Portici, the Casa della Pesa. In this place there was the public weighbridge, also called "Fronwaage", in which the grain was weighed before being sold. The fresco above the north gate still recalls this ancient function.
The core of the building dates back to the 13th century. Initially it overlooked Via dei Portici and measured 9 x 12.50 m, developing over three floors. In the 14th century it extended towards Piazza del Grano and, only in the second half of the 15th century, did it open up to the city landscape through an arched portico. Further changes in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the framing of the sandstone windows and the decoration of some accommodations, gave the building a new appearance. In 1780, having ceased its role as the headquarters of the public weighbridge, the building lost its importance, becoming the first headquarters of the Cassa di Risparmio from 1855 to 1866. Subsequently, until a few years ago, the apartments of the House were rented as homes."
Alfredo Nicolosi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Casa della Pesa is located in the heart of Bolzano's old town, around Piazza del Grano. It's easily accessible on foot from most central locations in Bolzano. If arriving by public transport, buses frequently stop near the city center, and it's a short walk from there.
Parking in Bolzano's old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk from Piazza del Grano, such as the Waltherhaus parking garage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, the Casa della Pesa is viewed from the exterior. Access to the interior is often restricted due to its historical nature and ongoing restoration efforts. Check local tourist information for any special open days or guided tours.
As the building is primarily an exterior sight and often under restoration, there are no fixed public opening hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours to see the facade and its details. Always check for current access status.
The building is not always open to the public, as it's a historic monument that undergoes periodic restoration. Scaffolding and barriers can sometimes obscure the view, as noted by visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the well-preserved exterior of the historic Weigh House, showcasing its medieval architecture, sandstone window frames, and the fresco above the north gate that recalls its original function.
Even when closed for interior access, the exterior of the Casa della Pesa is a significant historical monument in Bolzano's old town. Its architecture and the surrounding Piazza del Grano offer a glimpse into the city's past.
The Casa della Pesa served as the public weighbridge ('Fronwaage') where grain and liquids were weighed before being sold, playing a crucial role in medieval commerce and trade regulations in Bolzano.
Yes, you can take photos of the exterior of the Casa della Pesa. The morning light is often recommended for capturing the best views of its architectural details. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Casa della Pesa is located in the vibrant Piazza del Grano and the surrounding old town, which is filled with numerous cafes, restaurants, and trattorias offering local South Tyrolean cuisine and Italian specialties. Many visitors recommend enjoying a Prosecco in the morning nearby.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Consider exploring the surrounding Piazza del Grano, which was the heart of this historical trade. Understanding the building's evolution, from its functional role to its later uses, provides a comprehensive picture of its significance. Even if interior access is restricted, the exterior details and historical context make it a rewarding visit for any history buff.
Photographers
While interior access might be limited, the exterior details and its location within the historic old town provide ample subjects. Capture the building in context with the surrounding medieval streets and squares for a richer photographic narrative. :camerawithflash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Trade
Architecturally, the Casa della Pesa evolved over centuries. Initially a more compact structure, it later expanded towards Piazza del Grano and gained an arched portico in the late 15th century, opening it up to the public square. Further renovations in the 16th and 17th centuries added details like sandstone window frames, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. However, its role as a weighbridge ceased in 1780, after which it housed the Cassa di Risparmio (Savings Bank) and later served as residential apartments. Despite its changing uses, the building's historical significance is preserved, with the fresco above the north gate serving as a lasting visual cue to its original purpose.
Architectural Evolution and Preservation
Later centuries brought further refinements. The 16th and 17th centuries saw the introduction of decorative elements, such as the distinctive sandstone framing of the windows, which lend a touch of elegance to the structure. These additions highlight the building's continued importance and the desire to maintain its presence within the city. While its primary function as a weighbridge ended in 1780, the building's historical and architectural value has led to its preservation. Visitors can admire its well-maintained exterior, noting the subtle details that tell the story of its long and varied past, even when interior access is limited due to restoration.
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