Bressanone is an important artistic center and was the seat of prince-bishops for centuries. Like their counterparts in Trento, these medieval administrators had the delicate task of serving two masters—the pope (the ultimate spiritual authority) and the Holy Roman Emperor (the civil and military power), who were virtually at war throughout the Middle Ages. Bressanone's prince-bishops became experts at tact and diplomacy.
The Brixen Card offers free transportation throughout Alto Adige (Südtirol/South Tyrol) and grants entry to more than 80 museums, plus free guided tours and discounts at partner venues; it's free to guests of local hotels (www.brixencard.info).
