Via dei Portici in Bolzano is characterised by its 16-19th Century Gothic houses. These narrow, deep, bow-windowed buildings were owned by merchants who lived on the upper floors. The two rows of arcades usually had German merchants on the southern side and Italian merchants on the northern side. The street still houses two ancient apothecaries – the 15th Century Alla Madonna (number 17), well-known for its variety of essences, tinctures and herbal teas and the ancient equipment, and the 18th Century Aquila Nera (number 46). The emporium of the Adige Craftsmen’s Cooperative is also in Via dei Portici.
