Lagundo
Welcome to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol!
If you are planning a trip to Northern Italy, don't miss the chance to visit the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol. This unique and fascinating territory is located in the northernmost part of the Italian provinces and is the largest in terms of size. With well over half a million inhabitants, this province is so large and rich in things to see that it must be divided into different areas with specific characteristics.
Toponymy
Let's start with some terminology. Although the inhabitants of the province are generally called South Tyroleans, their territory is known in various ways. The official name is the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, but the form South Tyrol/Südtirol is also used in the text of many state laws. Language enthusiasts will also notice that there is a Ladin version of the name. In summary, if you come to visit this area, you will find yourself in a unique territory with many linguistic and cultural facets.
The diversities of the province
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is an area with diverse geographical and linguistic peculiarities. If you have chosen to visit this region, you can experience many different things. A good starting point for your visit could be the city of Bolzano, located in the center of the province. It is a very special city thanks to its mix of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin traditions. Bolzano offers many attractions, such as the famous Archaeological Museum, where the mummy of Ötzi, the famous Ice Man, is on display. If you love nature and winter sports, don't miss the opportunity to visit the famous ski resorts of Alta Badia or Val Gardena. You can take advantage of the numerous ski slopes with breathtaking views of the Dolomites. If, on the other hand, you prefer a vacation dedicated to gastronomy, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol will offer you many opportunities. The area is famous for the production of cheeses, especially hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano. There are also wineries where you can taste the region's indigenous wines.
The history of the province
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol has a very interesting history. During the Habsburg domination, this area was known as Mitteltirol, or Central Tyrol. The term Sudtirol or South Tyrol was often used to refer to the entire southern part of Tyrol. With the constitutional reform of 2001, the Trentino-Alto Adige region was formed by the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano. Since then, the territory has been called South Tyrol/Südtirol. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol played an important role in the First World War. In fact, the 1915 Pact of London explicitly mentioned Trentino and cisalpine Tyrol, or the area south of the Brenner Pass. This territory, which included present-day Trentino and South Tyrol, was the scene of fierce battles between Italians and Austro-Hungarians.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is a unique and extraordinary area, rich in history and natural beauty. Visiting this corner of Italy is an experience we recommend not to miss. The region offers a wide variety of attractions, from culture to ski slopes, from gastronomy to the natural wonders of the Dolomites. Come and discover the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol: we are sure you won't regret it!
