We have had another absolutely amazing day in the South Tyrol. We started the day with a further explore of the amazing bike path system here in Bolzano. We went up on a dedicated cycle path with inspiring views and an astonishing number of ebikes. It is Saturday and everyone was out enjoying the beautiful weather
Our hotel the last few nights. A great spot with awesome bike storage.
The cycle path up was incredibly beautiful. We loved the views and the exercise. We estimate 75% of the bikes heading up the hill on this beautiful Saturday were ebikes. Everyone was enjoying the view and the sunshine, including ourselves. We found it just stunning. I was so surprised when we got to the top to find ourselves in the precise town where we had ice cream and tiramisu yesterday. We had a good chuckle about that.
We headed back down the hill, the goal being the Messner Mountain Museum in Sigmundskron Castle. What an experience. You don’t really know what to expect when you go to a museum...for example, the art gallery in Chur was a bit underwhelming. This museum, we both agree was probably the most astounding museum experience we have ever had. First there was the setting. The architect who worked with Reinhold Messner did an outstanding job of adding exhibit space. In many instances I felt I was climbing to go from exhibit to exhibit...it is hard to describe but it was so well done. The focus of the exhibits was the geology of the mountains, how different religions and mysticism relate to the mountains, and the history of mountaineering. The whole thing was just stunning. We thought we would spend an hour there and three hours later we left wishing we had more time. If you are in Bolzano, go. We were blown away.
Approaching the castle. The restoration was done incredibly well, leaving the castle as it has stood for centuries.
Kathleen ClassenTo Steve Miller/GrampiesIt was a detail of a large tapestry. We loved the MMM. As soon as Dodie is on a bike not fixed in place she can test out her new knees there 👍 Reply to this comment 5 years ago
The men and a few women who didn’t make it. This was such a moving part of the exhibit. I finally couldn’t look anymore. The picture is just one wall. There were many more, all so young and healthy and at the peak of their lives.
We had to drag ourselves away. I could go back tomorrow. There are six Messner Mountain Museums and now I want to see them all. I feel so lucky to have seen this one.
Off into the Bolzano old town we went, checking into our sweet little apartment with a washing machine 👍. It is humming away nicely as I write this. Properly clean clothes, not washed in the sink. Bliss. We wandered around Bolzano, an old friend, and I sipped an Aperol Spritzer overlooking Piazza Walther while Keith enjoyed a sparkling water, the clean living type he is. He made up for it later with a beer at dinner, never fear.
Tomorrow we are off to Trento or thereabouts. The weather is so beautiful, the mountains are so beautiful, the Italian food is so delicious and we are so blessed.
Today's ride: 30 km (19 miles) Total: 646 km (401 miles)
