Bolzano (Bozen) is often dubbed ‘Gateway to the Dolomites’. The city lies in a broad valley basin at an altitude of 265 metres (870 ft), with three beautiful Alpine high plateaux of rolling hills encircling it from north-east to north-west. It is difficult to avoid Bolzano if you are coming from south to reach the Dolomites, the breathtaking pak rocks now Unesco World Natural Heritage. In spring the contrast between lush Mediterranean vegetation beside the town’s panoramic sun-drenched promenades and the snow-mantled Dolomites with skiing season still in full swing, is especially striking.