The Laubengasse in Bolzano, also known as Via dei Portici, is a historic shopping street approximately 300 meters long in the heart of the old town. It was created in the late 12th century as a central trade route at the initiative of the bishops of Trento. After a devastating fire in 1224, the original wooden arcades were replaced with stone ones. The buildings along the alley are characteristically narrow – about four meters wide and up to fifty meters deep – with shops on the ground floor, storage vaults behind, and apartments with small courtyards above.
Today, the Laubengasse is a lively pedestrian zone with a mix of traditional South Tyrolean shops, boutiques, cafés, and international brands. Particularly striking are the pastel-colored facades with bay windows, stucco decorations, and wrought-iron balconies. Historic pharmacies such as the "Madonna" and the "Black Eagle," artisan shops, and fashion houses with a long history characterize the scene. The old Ritsch stream, which once supplied water to the houses, flows beneath the alley.
Laubengasse is one of the most visited places in the city. It connects the fruit market with the town hall square and is easily accessible by public transport and on foot. Events include the Lorenzinnacht (Night of St. Lawrence) on August 10th, which focuses on wine and regional specialties. Notable buildings along the alley include the old town hall with late Gothic vaults and the Mercantile Museum, which documents the history of Bolzano's trade.