Chienes
Introduction
If you're looking to learn more about the autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, you've come to the right place! With an area of 7,399 km², this province is Italy's largest, but has only just over half a million inhabitants, so there are many unspoiled areas to explore. Here, I will provide you with some basic information about the province, from its toponymy to its history and culture.
Toponymy
First of all, you may be wondering how to correctly refer to this province. The legal name is "autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol," with the official dual translation in Italian and German. The residents of the province are called "South Tyroleans," but in Italian there are also other denominations such as "Sud Tyrol" or "South Tyrol". Additionally, the province has a strong Ladin influence, so it is also known as "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan/Bulsan - Südtirol" in the Badioto or Gardena dialetto variants.
Geography and Euroregion
The autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is located in northern Italy, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is surrounded by mountains and has many valleys, including the Val Gardena, Val di Fiemme, and Val d'Isarco. It is also close to the city of Innsbruck in Austria and the autonomous province of Trento. The autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol along with Trento and the Austrian Tyrol make up the Euroregion Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino, a geographical area of cooperation that has a strong cultural and linguistic identity.
History
The province has an interesting history, as it was ruled by the Habsburgs until 1918. During this period, the province was known as "Mitteltirol," or Central Tyrol. After World War I, much of the former Habsburg Tyrol became part of Italy and the new state of South Tyrol was created. In 1948, the Treaty of Paris confirmed the territory's allegiance to Italy, renaming it the autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol.
Culture
The province of Bolzano - South Tyrol has a very rich and diverse culture. There are three official languages, Italian, German, and Ladin, a minority language spoken in the Gardena Valley. The province has a great culinary tradition, with dishes like the Val Venosta speck, Tyrolean dumplings, and Tyrolean goulash. The province is also known for producing wines, including the famous Gewürztraminer.
Conclusion
The autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is a unique destination, with an abundance of natural beauty and a distinct culture. With its complex toponymy, unique geographical location, and interesting history, there are many reasons to visit and discover this wonderful part of Italy.
