The current outlay of the Piazza Stazione in Bolzano dates back to the fascist era. Both the station itself and the Fountain of the Frogs on the other side of the square were constructed in this period. The Viale della Stazione runs from the square through the Parco Berloffa to the Piazza Walther, the city’s unofficial “reception hall”.

A brief history of the Piazza Stazione in Bolzano

Bolzano railway station (passenger entrance).
Piazza Stazione and Torre dell'Orologio (Bolzano)

The railway station was originally constructed in 1859 by the Südbahn (“Southern Railway Line”) of the Austrian Empire. At the time it was known as Bozen-Gries Bahnhof. In 1919, after the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye was signed, Süd-Tirol became part of Italy. The station thus also became part of the Italian railway network. In the late 1920s, the station and the surrounding area were completely reconstructed, to be more in line with fascist architectural ideas. This led to the removal of a toll station, which was replaced by the Fountain of the Frogs.

What to see in the Piazza Stazione in Bolzano

Bolzano’s railway station was originally constructed in the 19th century. The original passenger building was designed by the local architect Sebastian Altmann. The current version dates back to 1928 and was the work of the architect Angiolo Mazzoni. The allegorical sculptures adorning the facade personify “Electricity” and “Vapor”. Like the “Allegory of the Rivers” decorating the clock tower, they were the work of Franz Ehrenhöfer.

Fountain of the Frogs (Bolzano)
Fontana delle Rane (Bolzano)

The Fountain of the Frogs is located in the Parco Berloffa across the road from the station. Originally sculpted by Ignaz Gabloner in 1930, the current fountain is a reconstruction. It consists of two tubs. The frogs are seated on the outer edge, spouting water towards the inner tub, which is topped by bronze amphoras. The Teatro Civico Verdi, that also used to be inside this park, was bombed during World War II and never rebuilt. The park is bisected by the Viale della Stazione, which leads to the historical centre.

Bolzano station area

Sources

  • Itinerario storico-artistico (brochure available at the Tourist office).
  • Photos are my own (©RenatoProsciutto).
  • Last visit to Bolzano in July 2026.