Moso in Passiria
Bolzano Transit Camp: A Story of Infamy
The Bolzano Transit Camp, also known as Dulag Bozen, was a Nazi concentration camp in Bolzano, active from the end of the summer of 1944 until the end of World War II. Before 1944, there was a fascist prison camp for Allied prisoners of war. The camp was located in the district of Gries-San Quirino, specifically at Via Resia 80.
The History of Bolzano Transit Camp
After the Armistice of Cassibile, Bolzano became the capital of the Prealpine Operations Zone and fell under the control of the Heer (Wehrmacht). The camp began operating in the summer of 1944, and between its walls passed between 9,000 and 9,500 people. The prisoners were mainly from central and northern Italy, arrested by forces of the regime of the Italian Social Republic, collaborators with the Nazis, and delivered to the SS. Among the deportees were political opponents, Jews, deserter Südtirolers of the Wehrmacht or their families, gypsies, and Jehovah's Witnesses.
About 20% of the prisoners were arrested in Milan, 10% in the province of Belluno, which, along with Trento and Bolzano, had been annexed to Germany after the Badoglio proclamation. Some of the prisoners were then transferred to the Reich extermination camps, and the rest were used as slave laborers in the camp's internal workshops and companies in the nearby industrial zone, including the IMI. Others were forced to pick apples.
During the history of the camp, 48 documented killings occurred, although some testimonies speak of a number that reaches up to 300 killings. In September 1944, 23 Italians were captured, interned in the camp and later killed in the caserma Mignone massacre.
As the Allies advanced, prisoners were liberated in batches between April 29 and May 3, 1945, and the camp was disbanded.
The Place of Memory
Today, at the former transit camp, there is a place of memory called "Passage der Erinnerung." The site was inaugurated in 1999 and consists of a path that touches seven stations. Each station represents an important phase of the historical period, including fascist repression, World War II, and reconstruction after the war. The place of memory was created to remember the past and honor all the victims of Nazi persecution.
How Bolzano is Confronting its Dark Past
Bolzano is trying to confront its dark past by making documentation about this period of its history accessible, including Bolzano Transit Camp. The municipality of Bolzano's website provides information on events and exhibitions, as well as on existing archive materials on the transit camp. There are also educational activities aimed at educating people about the history of the camp and the atrocities committed. Bolzano wants to ensure that what happened is never forgotten and that the city becomes a symbol of tolerance and peace.
Conclusion
The history of Bolzano Transit Camp is one of tragic infamy. The camp represents a sad chapter in World War II, a dark period in human history. However, Bolzano is trying to confront its dark past and honor the victims of Nazi persecution. The place of memory, "Passage der Erinnerung," is a testimony to the pain and suffering endured by the camp's victims. Bolzano wants to ensure that these events are never forgotten, and that the city becomes a symbol of tolerance and peace.
