Ötzi Museum
BOLZANO AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Since 1998, the South Tyrolean Archaeological Museum in Bolzano has now been known as the "Ötzi Museum" because it houses one of the most famous mummies in the world which dates back to an era between 3300 and 3100 BC. (copper age): the Similaun Mummy”, “Similaun Man”, or “Iceman”. For friends, simply, Ötzi.
Ötzi is not only the mummy of a man dating back over 5,200 years, but it is extraordinarily preserved with complete clothing and tools thanks to the particular climatic conditions within the glacier in which it was discovered.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE
Ötzi got his nickname "Ötzi" from a journalist, in homage to the location of his discovery in the Ötztal, Tyrol. North. Scientific research revealed surprising details about his identity: a man of around 45 years old, 5.4 feet tall and weighing around 110 pounds. His hair was dark and wavy, with brown eyes.
Ötzi also revealed his status as the first human being tattooed with 61 tattoos, mainly dots, lines and crosses, placed on parts of the body that presumably could have benefited from healing treatment. Equipped with full equipment, Ötzi carried with him tools for prolonged survival away from his camp, including axes, daggers, flint-working tools, bow, arrows, and even a small home pharmacy.
Ötzi also revealed his status as the first human being tattooed with 61 tattoos, mainly dots, lines and crosses, placed on parts of the body that presumably could have benefited from healing treatment. Equipped with full equipment, Ötzi carried with him tools for prolonged survival away from his camp, including axes, daggers, flint-working tools, bow, arrows, and even a small home pharmacy.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The South Tyrol Museum of Archeology hosts a permanent exhibition: it is an exciting journey through the story of Ötzi, the Iceman. Spread over three floors, it tells every detail about the most famous mummy in the world. From its serendipitous discovery on September 19, 1991 to the global media impact that followed, the exhibition delves into the circumstances of the discovery and presents the original finds, including the mummy, its clothing, and tools. Through everyday life in the Copper Age and aspects of modern research related to this exceptional discovery, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Ötzi's world. One of the most evocative moments is the realistic three-dimensional reconstruction of Ötzi, which offers an almost real-time encounter with the Iceman.
SPECIAL TIPS
After its discovery, Ötzi's body was initially transported to Austria. However, since the discovery site was just across the Italian border, the mummy was later moved to Italy.
But the journey to discover Ötzi does not end here! Along the valley of its discovery, in the evocative Alpine scenery, there is the Archeoparc-Museum Val Senales. This interactive museum offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Ötzi's living environment and discover further details about his history and times. An unmissable stop to complete your travel experience in search of one of the most famous and mysterious characters of antiquity.
But the journey to discover Ötzi does not end here! Along the valley of its discovery, in the evocative Alpine scenery, there is the Archeoparc-Museum Val Senales. This interactive museum offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Ötzi's living environment and discover further details about his history and times. An unmissable stop to complete your travel experience in search of one of the most famous and mysterious characters of antiquity.
