Exposed walls, stucco and painted wooden ceilings bear witness to the centuries-old history of the building that now houses the Goldenstern Townhouse. For several generations, it has been in the hands of the Rizzolli family, who continue to preserve its history to this day.
The location
The Goldenstern Townhouse is located near the Old Town promenade. It is a charming building in the heart of Bolzano, not far from many of the city’s sights such as Waltherplatz or Sigmundskron Castle.
Backstory
Bolzano was once a thriving trading centre for spices, wines and textiles—the Goldenstern Townhouse, with its 800-year-old walls, still bears witness to this era today. The house, which has been owned by the Rizzolli family since 1870, has been carefully restored.
© Alex Filz
In 1870, Franz Rizzolli, originally from Montan, founded a hat factory here. The Rizzolli factory later also produced felt slippers and sold all kinds of accessories such as shoes, bags and scarves. A few decades later, in 1925, his son Felix took over the business under the Bolzano arcades.
Later, the company grew considerably under the leadership of his son Helmut and his wife Eva. Today, their son Thomas Rizzolli and his wife Paula are the fourth generation to run the company.
© Alex Filz
© Alex Filz
Interior & architecture
Four buildings belong to the Goldenstern Townhouse, dating back to 1280. A careful restoration process has preserved their medieval charm.
Parts of the original frescoes on the walls and ceilings, as well as stucco decorations from the time of construction, are still visible in the lobby.
The Goldenstern Townhouse is also home to the oldest stained glass window in the city, which is still perfectly preserved. Only local materials such as sandstone from Meltina and solid wood from the region were used for the hotel’s renovation.
Efforts undertaken during the renovation work did not go unnoticed. In 2023, the hotel was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Historic Hotel of the Year’.
Older people may quickly reach their limits in this building, as countless narrow staircases wind their way through the interior—there is only one lift on one side of the building. But on request, the staff will be happy to help carry luggage.
© Anneliese Kompatscher
The suites are named after the former owners who shaped the Goldenstern Townhouse over a long period of time. Such as the De Lollios, who were well-known textile merchants and contributed to the city’s prosperity as a trading center, or the von Zallinger family, powerful local entrepreneurs.
Stucco ceilings, frescoes from the Giotto school, and cross vaults combine with modern design in the interior of the house. Selected historical pieces meet Parisian fabrics, handmade Moroccan carpets, and Venetian chandeliers.
With apartments featuring fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, regular cleaning services and parking facilities, Goldenstern Townhouse is also ideal for longer stays.
The lobby of the building was originally used as a notary’s office in the Middle Ages. The walls of the elongated room are decorated with wall paintings, which probably date back to the 14th century.
Cuisine
At Goldenstern Townhouse the day begins with a breakfast buffet full of delicious flavours from the Alpine region. Right next to the hotel, guests will find a traditional South Tyrolean inn, the Franziskanerstuben.
© Alex Filz
Today, a historic cellar and three parlours are part of the Franziskanerstuben, which were completely renovated in 2014.
Wellness & Relaxation
On the roof of the Goldenstern Townhouse, with views over the city’s skylines and the Rosengarten mountains, stands a sauna. After a long steam and wrapped in a bathrobe, guests can enjoy the scenery, especially at sunset.
Details
Rooms
- Double room
- Double room deluxe
- Superior apartment
- Suite with 2 rooms
Before booking, guests should note that the Goldenstern Townhouse does not have a lift; the apartments and suites are only accessible via stairs or by using an elevator on one side of the building.
Cuisine
Franziskanerstuben
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
Cottage by the lake
Those who are drawn to the countryside can enjoy another extra feature of the Goldenstern Townhouse. At the Völser Weiher lake, about 30 minutes from Bolzano, there is a small cottage with a jetty and lounge chairs, which is reserved exclusively for people staying at the Goldenstern Townhouse. For further information and to make a booking, guests can contact the reception.
Pets
Four-legged friends are welcome and allowed everywhere except in the breakfast room and sauna. Pets can stay overnight for an additional charge of €25.00 per day (excluding food).





























