Plaus
Welcome to South Tyrol
Hello friends! Are you ready to discover Italy's largest province? Today I will be talking about the autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region and with a population of over half a million people. This province is a bilingual and bicultural land where Italian, German and Ladin cultures intertwine in a unique way.
Dual naming
The autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is called differently depending on the language spoken. In Italian it is called "province of Bolzano" or "autonomous province of Bolzano", while in German it is "Provinz Bozen" or "Autonome Provinz Bozen". In official acts of the province, the dual naming "Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol" (translated into German as "Autonome Provinz Bozen – Südtirol") is used. The inhabitants of Bolzano are generally called "Altoatesini", while in Italian the denomination "South Tyrol" or "Trentino-South Tyrol" is also used.
Ladin
This is a province with a strong cultural and linguistic identity. Ladin is not mentioned in the autonomy statute but is currently used in provincial acts under the variants "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan – Südtirol" (in the Badia dialect variant) or "Provinzia Autonoma de Bulsan – Südtirol" (in the Gardena dialect variant).
History of the territory
During the Habsburg domination, the territory of Bolzano was known as "Mitteltirol", or central Tyrol. Moreover, with "Südtirol" (South Tyrol) the current Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol was often meant. However, in the London Pact of 1915, article 4 referred to "Trentino" and "Cisalpine Tyrol" (south of the Brenner) separately. In any case, the name "South Tyrol" became synonymous with this southern territory, which, according to some authors, would be an improper use of the term.
Final thoughts
In summary, the autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is a unique land where you can experience a bilingual and involving culture. The borders of Europe pass right through the Brenner, a microcosm between two worlds: the Italian and the German. Come to Bolzano to experience one of the largest, most cultural and unique provinces that Italy has to offer. We are waiting for you, friends!
