The Area Behind the Train Station

Close to the city centre of Bolzano is an enormous unused area. Just a couple of minutes away from Piazza Walther lays a site that could easily host more than seven football fields and that has been unused for the better part of at least three decades. We from A place to B(z) are fighting for the opening of this site to the public in order to create a creative free space for us inhabitants of Bolzano. Below you can discover this area for yourself with our picture gallery and video tours and other information on the area.

Where is the Area?

How do I get there?

There are many ways to describe the location of this area, as it covers a big part of the city quarter Bozener Boden. You can get there on foot, by bike, by car or by public transport.

person, bike and car icon together

The easiest way is to start at the bus station in Bolzano. Follow Via Renon until you are at the valley station of the Ritter cable car. Then turn right and follow Via Piani di Bolzano, which then joins Via del Macello, the area is on the right, opposite Via del Macello 11.

bus icon

If you want to come by bus the station closest is Via Mac. Ex Caserma Gorio/Schlachthofstraße Ex Kaserne Gorio.

The Google Plus code is F9W8+PV Bolzano, Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol

a map of Bolzano showing the different routes to the area with various means of transport as information on the area

What does the Area look Like?

The area is currently closed to the public. The view inside is blocked by more than 300 meters of walls, that are more than 2 meters high. In some sections, there is even barbed wire on top of the walls. The gates are secured with heavy padlocks.

Take Part in The Digital Tour

Take a Look inside the Area

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What Do You Want to See?

future use and wishes workshop

We continuously ask people about their wishes and desires for this area.

The most wanted suggestions:

  • Urban Gardening
  • Co-working/Atelier Space
  • DJ & Dance
  • Music Festival/ Street Food Festival/ Vegan Festival/ Climate Festival
  • Pool
  • Temporary Stores in Containers/ Flea Markets/ Solidary Economy/ Repair Café/ Book Sharing
  • Trees, Flowers, Park
  • Open Air Cinema
  • Workshops & Cultural Exchange & Talks
  • A place for city people/kids to be wild
  • Education Space for Schools
  • Open free space/ Transdisciplinary events·        
  • Café
mockup future social centre
mockup future dancing

Others have asked for a social centre, a skatepark for bikes, or a place to dance. The biodiversity of the site also holds great potential as the area has been unused for several decades, and the plants have retaken parts of it. Therefore this could be a great place to study the local flora and fauna and to educate different groups on this topic.

mockup future biodiversity tours
mockup future bike park

Another idea was to turn the orange structure into small booths and to create events focussing on different topics, for example, flea markets, repair cafes, artisans markets, farmers markets, ateliers, workshops, etc.

mockup future markets

Showcasing Possibilities

In this area, there is plenty of space to support multiple uses to coexist simultaneously. Further, we can actively invite temporary uses to create an interesting and diverse offer that will benefit everyone.

To showcase the possibilities and demonstrate the size of the area, we have built a model. This model is designed to help residents choose from a variety of ideas that we collected during workshops, and build their own version of this area. This interactive approach concretises options and helps us communicate the possibilities of this area becoming a vibrant and thriving part of our community!

A place to B(z) model
A place to B(z) model close up cinema
A place to B(z) model close up of festival
A place to B(z) model hand
A place to B(z) model kids
A place to B(z) model young people
A place to B(z) model placing tiles

Making Different Futures Experiencable

A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space view of people looking at art and listening to the band
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space view of the area
aerial view of flea market at A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space foto equipment flea market
A place to B(z) discussion rounds on the area
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space view of people listening to the band
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space kids playing
aerial view of the area at A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space Bike repair station
A place to B(z) breakfast on the area
A place to B(z) bike tour of the area
A place to B(z) – The Art of Public Space foto equipment floor painting
A place to B(z) Christmas Walk gathering in front of the area behind the train station
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Waiting For Answers

A Place to B(z) has submitted a proposal to the municipality of Bolzano for the opening and management of a part of the area. Based on our experience with the site, the administration and the residents, we believe that the elongated strip northwest of the temporary parking area (Zone 01), with an area of 0.4 ha, is the perfect spot for interim use.

Aerial View of the area behind the train station

This area has a direct access gate with a parking area in front, which also functions as a buffer zone to Schlachthofstraße and is separated by dense vegetation strips. Due to its central location and low conflict of use, this area can be used for a variety of different purposes. We can even shift noisy activities (e.g. Obstmarkt) that have caused conflicts in the city to this area and relieve the city centre during the warmer summer months.

Our goal is to create a space that will allow local culture to flourish and serve as a place of identification for Bolzano’s urban society. We want to strengthen existing offers and organizations and establish new networks through dialogue and cooperation. This transdisciplinary use of the area would generate a considerable added value that goes beyond an improved leisure offer.

We believe that the temporary management of the area by a citizens’ initiative creates a versatile opportunity for experimentation for the urban society of Bolzano. It will connect different population groups and promote new synergies and experiences at the community level. The area would offer a place of encounter where residents of the city could be given the opportunity to actively participate and take responsibility. We hope that you can join us in this exciting journey to create a powerful centre of innovation and creative urban development that will enhance the attractiveness and quality of life in our city.

In the coming years, we as an urban society will be confronted with a multitude of crises, some global, others local. A well-networked, capable city community is necessary to be able to face these crises successfully. The crises of the future will be decided by our decisions today.

We are currently in talks with the municipality on this topic.

Discover the History of the Area

hand drawn medieval map of Bolzano from 1607 https://www.comune.bolzano.it/GalleryDetail.jws?src=26606_Ludwig_Pfendter_1607_Museum_6973_A.jpg
View of Bolzano with Blessed Henry in the Glorie by an unknown Bolzano Painter, after 1759, oil on canvas, 105x152cm, origin:unknown, city museum of Bolzano
Bozen von St. Magdalena gegen Mendel, Bolzano trainstation, ca. 1911, Bestand Fritz Pichler, permanent exhibition in the train station of Bolzano
catatsto asburgico, 1861, https://www.comune.bolzano.it/download/PRU/ACCORDO_PROGRAMMA/11)%20-%20PRU%20A%20-%20RELAZIONE%20ILLUSTRATIVA.pdf
old postcard motif of Bolzano, https://www.arealbozen.it/index.php?id=60&L=1
War reconnaissance from 1918 https://www.comune.bolzano.it/download/PRU/ACCORDO_PROGRAMMA/11)%20-%20PRU%20A%20-%20RELAZIONE%20ILLUSTRATIVA.pdf
old city plan from 1932 https://www.comune.bolzano.it/download/PRU/ACCORDO_PROGRAMMA/11)%20-%20PRU%20A%20-%20RELAZIONE%20ILLUSTRATIVA.pdf
Bombs falling on Bolzano's train station 1943 https://www.comune.bolzano.it/download/PRU/ACCORDO_PROGRAMMA/11)%20-%20PRU%20A%20-%20RELAZIONE%20ILLUSTRATIVA.pdf
picture out of a british lane ater the second world war
satelite image 1982/85 earth.google.com
satelite image 1992/97 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 1992 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image of the area 2000 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image of the area 2003 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image 2003 earth.google.com
satelite image 2006 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 2006 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image of the area 2008 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image 2009 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 2011 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
Picture of Bolzano from airplane 2011 https://it.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bolzano
satelite image 2012 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 2014 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
Bolzano train stationa rea from the mountain https://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/bolzano/photo-gallery.htm
arial view of the train stationa area 2011 https://diewerkbank.com/2011/02/25/gtgt-bozen-arbo-wettbewerb-concorso-bahnhof/
satelite image 2015 earth.google.com
picture of the train station in Bolzano https://www.imago-images.de/fotos-bilder/bozen-bahnhof
satelite image 2017 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 2017 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
satelite image 2018 earth.google.com
satelite image of the area 2020 http://geokatalog.buergernetz.bz.it/geokatalog/
drone footage of the area 22.03.2022
drone footage of event on the area 01.10.2022
drone photo of the a band playing and people watching in the area
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B(z)uilds Urban Furniture

by @simoni_samuel

 

03.10.23
14:30-18:00H

Join us in a community-based crafting workshop that aims to re-evaluate public areas through the creation of simple wooden structures. Thanks to the use of basic tooling and our hard-working team, at the end of the day we will be enjoying common space by sipping an “aperitivo” on our freshly made wooden stools.  Unleash your creativity and crafting skills and build simple yet visionary street furniture with us.

To secure a spot in the workshop, please write us an email to palcemakingbz@gmail.com

Samuel Simoni_B(z)uilds Urban Furnitureby @simoni_samuel

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Clean Up Action

feat. Climate Action South Tyrol

03.10.23
14:30-18:00H

Join us for a cleanup event at the long-neglected area behind the Bolzano Train Station! Together, we can breathe new life into this space, turning it into a vibrant hub for community gatherings and enjoyment. This cleanup is the first step toward transforming this area into a space where people can come together, share stories, and create projects. By cleaning up together, we can restore its natural beauty and make it a welcoming spot for all. Remember, the more hands we have, the better. See you there!

Áron Lőrincz collecting trash during the clean up

feat. Climate Action South Tyrol

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Ciclo Cinema

by @CicloCinema

03.10.23
19:00-23:00H

Siamo una compagnia di cicloviaggiatori che porta il cinema dove di solito non c’è. Un viaggio all’insegna della sostenibilità ambientale e sociale, dove celebriamo gli spazi, le culture e la lentezza.CICLO CINEMA

by @CicloCinema

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Lesung aus - Neueste Südtiroler Landeskunde, 116 Dorf- und Stadtstiche -

von Jörg Zemmler

 

07.10.23
Die 116 Geschichten erzählen z. B.. daß Meran ursprünglich am Meer lag und Bozen zu seinem Namen durch eine Abstimmung gekommen ist, bei der es drei Wahlberechtigte gab. Weiters heißt der Schlern nur wegen eines Sprachfehlers eines Bürgermeisters so, Gais wurde von Villnössern gegründet, Villnöß selbst ist ein Überbleibsel einer antiken Südtiroler Stadt, der Schnalser Ötzi ist erfroren, weil er nicht rufen konnte, Kurtinig und Kurtatsch gehen beide auf einen Kurt zurück, aber eher nicht auf denselben.

Jörg Zemmlervon Jörg Zemmler

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Crafting Coffee Space

by Solveigh Artschwager, Dora Musola, Amelie Schaeberle

 

07.10.23
The workshop will involve participants deeply in exploring the local environment. Through a guided walk, we will identify and gather discarded materials and observe different locations. During these walks, we will create an imagination regarding possible utilization and activation of both the area and the discovered objects.

Following the collection of materials, we will engage in repurposing them. Our goal at the end of the day is to have a beautiful place/location for drinking coffee with the other BZ people! We will cultivate a renewed connection between us and our surroundings while drinking coffee and discussing our creations!

Ultra Alto_We are Space

by Solveigh Artschwager, Dora Musola, Amelie Schaeberle

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Take a Stitch!

By Adele Buffa and Amedeo Bonini.

07.10.23

Take a stitch! is a sewing experience. Through a circular table Centoventi that reimagines traditional embroidery looms, we invite you to pause and experiment with hand sewing. By bringing sewing into the public space we want to spread this practice into the community and share its expressive and ecological potential.

Take a Stitch!The project was born by the collaboration between Adele Buffa and Amedeo Bonini.

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Abitare stanca | Una restituzione

by Eurac + Officine Vispa

 

07.10.23

The housing crisis wears out those who do not have a home, but also those who struggle to maintain it. At the beginning of June, during two days of events open to citizens, we initiated a collective effort to imagine transformative housing policies. On 8 October, we will present a first synthesis of the results that emerged: not a point of arrival, but a basis to go further into the discussion and articulate guidelines for the practices and policies we need in this territory.

Abitare stanca | Una restituzione

by Eurac + Officine Vispa

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Bolzano Massive

by Bolzano Massive

 

07.10.23
Bolzano Massive è un associazione culturale presente a Bolzano dal 2018. Siamo artisti, a volte, altre solo un po' matti ma con un obbiettivo sano e preciso. Alzare il volume e lasciare che la musica sia una maestra di vita.

Bolzano Massive

by Bolzano Massive

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Foto Flea Market

by Foto Forum

 

07.10.23

Entdecken Sie den Fotoflohmarkt – Wo jedes Objekt seine Geschichte erzählt!
In einer Welt, die immer schneller wird, laden wir Sie ein, einen Moment innezuhalten und die Schönheit des Augenblicks zu erfassen. Beim Fotoflohmarkt treffen Leidenschaft und Hobby aufeinander – ein Ort, an dem Fotografie-Enthusiasten und -Anfänger gleichermaßen wertvolle Schätze und Inspiration finden können. Digitale und analoge Fotokameras, Objektive, Dunkelkammerzubehör, Filme, Fotobücher und vieles mehr warten auf Sie!Foto Forum_Foto Flea Market

by Foto Forum

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NIC - Acoustic Covers

by NIC

 

07.10.23
NIC is a 24-year-old student and musician based in Innsbruck. At only 15 the musical journey started now spanning nearly a decade. NIC began to play the guitar autodidactically in order to accompany their singing. Not to sound cheesy but music has never really been an option in life but rather a necessity which is why sharing musical passion on stage is of great personal significance. NIC's music can be categorized as (indie) Pop and Rock.

NIC_Acustic Covers

by NIC

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Please, Come In!

by Stefania Zanetti, Matteo Bellomo

 

07.10.23
16:30-19:30h

Stefania Zanetti and Matteo Bellomo presents a new photographic tablecloth inviting you to pass by and join in for an afternoon sensory snack. We will practise a gentle approach to food, looking for what is natural for each of us by listening to our feelings and responses.

During the event, you will be invited to experience pleasure by sipping cold drops of Pào Pào Kombucha , delighted by unexpected small and fluid bites made by Angelica Stimpfl

Please, come in!_Sciroppo Studio

by Stefania Zanetti, Matteo Bellomo

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TurboTrööT

by TurboTrööT

 

07.10.23

TurboTrööT, “the most feared band from South Tyrol”, plays noise at its best. The music is cleaned up from all its electronic liftings and make-up and focuses on the essence and intimacy of playing together and reflects on honest crafting that can’t exist without sweat and noise. Balkanian-punk-jazz should be a reasonable description for the output.
Be Aware: Some admirers can’t turn down their own humming or buzzing in the ear for days after a concert.

Turbotrööt_Balkanian PunkJazz

by TurboTrööT

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Flohmarkt

by Ultra Alto

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07.10.23
from 11:00H

Flohmarkt! Bring dein altes Zeug und deinen Tisch. Keine Anmeldung nötig.

Flohmarkt

by Ultra Alto

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Manu Mischkonsum

by Manu Mischkonsum

 

07.10.23

Manu Mischkonsum is a musician and music producer from Bolzano, Italy. Instead of focusing on one specific genre, Manu prefers to dive into different styles of music, moving between House, Funk, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Before his songwriting and
production journey started in 2020, Manu could already play several instruments
like the drums, guitar, and piano. He released his debut album, The Prince is Back in
2022. Expect some soulful house beats somewhere between 115 and 130 BPM.

Manu Mischkonsum

by Manu Mischkonsum

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Le Piazze dei Saperi – Intrecciamo relazioni con un gioco di comunità

by Collettivo Fantasma (Giulia Fasoli, Maria Pasqualini, Vanessa Deotto)

 

07.10.23

Pensi di essere troppo grande per giocare? Le Piazze dei Saperi è allora il gioco che fa per te, ti sfidiamo! Perché non si è mai troppo grandi per scambiare i “saperi” e scoprire interessanti curiosità.

Trasformiamo luoghi apparentemente vuoti in catalizzatori vibranti di energia. Le inaspettate conoscenze verranno raccolte in un archivio collettivo. Passate a giocare, o anche solo a leggere i curiosi "saperi" emersi durante il giorno!

Le Piazze dei Saperi - Intrecciamo relazioni con un gioco di comunità_Collettivo Fantasma

by Collettivo Fantasma (Giulia Fasoli, Maria Pasqualini, Vanessa Deotto)

 

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Sound Journey

by Kartik

 

07.10.23

A project born from exposure to noise, ethereal and organic sounds. Expect beats, but with a twist.

KARTIK_404 Not Found

by Kartik

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Dialog: Was macht für dich ein gutes Leben im Stadtviertel aus?

by Blufink

 

07.10.23

Lerne die Kommunikationsmethode „Dialog nach David Bohm" kennen und tausch dich mit anderen aus, was ein gutes Leben im Stadtviertel ausmacht.

Blufink_Dialog Was macht für dich ein gutes Leben im Stadtviertel aus?

by Blufink

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