Vipiteno (alternative name: Sterzing) is located close to the Italian border with Austria, in the northern part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region.

The town is more Austrian in feel than Italian, not surprisingly given its location so close to the border, and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.

The main street in the town – the Via Citta Nuova – has some attractive grand Renaissance villas to admire.

The best of the villas, and also open to the public, is the Palazzo Communale – it is the courtyard and its galleries that are the main attraction, along with some high-quality Renaissance works of art.

Kodak Easyshare CX7530
Converted to B&W in Photomatix Pro 4