[1] According to the Italian Constitution, the mayor of Bolzano is member of the city council.

From 1449 onwards, when the earliest mayor, named Hans Trott, is recorded, the first citizen of Bolzano was called Bürgermeister.

With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I and the annexation of the Southern Tyrol by Italy in 1919–20, the burgomasters became sindaco (mayor).

From 1895 up to 1922, when Fascist squadrons occupied the town hall, the democratically elected Julius Perathoner was mayor, modernizing the city by sustaining a widespread urban renewal.

[2] Since 1995, under provisions of new local administration law, the mayor of Bolzano is chosen by direct election.