BRESSANONE BRIXEN, ITALY

For many centuries, Brixen has been one of the most important towns in the mountainous center of Europe, and for over a millennium, the home of the Region's bishops. The town holds a commanding location on the strategic route south into Italy from the Austrian Tirol through the famous Brenner Pass.

Today, Brixen is a small, but beautiful city. The old center is enhanced by small and large arcades, a parish square with the famous White tower and the church of St. Michael, a magnificent Baroque cathedral, and a convent containing one of the largest, and most precious, alpine frescoes dating from the 14th to 16th centuries.

When, to this historic importance still evident today, you add the great winter sports opportunities, designer shopping, restaurants and the marvelous wines of the surrounding Eisacktal Valley, then you have the makings of a great ski vacation! In common with nearly all resorts in the South Tirol, Brixen has two names, the German version (Brixen), and 'Bressanone', the Italian one. Which one is used tends to depend on which publication you are reading.