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The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, and is the largest province in Italy in terms of its area. With a population of 533,175 inhabitants, it represents an important reference point in northern Italy. The province uses the double designation, namely Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol (officially translated into German as Autonome Provinz Bozen – Südtirol).
Toponymy
Article 116 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic contains the wording Alto Adige/Südtirol to define the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Region, which includes the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano. The use of the denominations Sud Tirolo, Sudtirolo, or Tirolo del sud for the province of Bolzano, and Sudtirolesi for its German or Ladin-speaking inhabitants, can also be found in Italian. During the Habsburg domination, the territory of the current province of Bolzano was called Mitteltirol, meaning Central Tyrol, and Südtirol (South Tyrol) referred to present-day Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol (i.e. Trentino-Alto Adige).
The history of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol
The province of Bolzano has a very interesting history, especially regarding the events concerning the separation between Italy and Austria after the First World War. In 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye was signed, which divided Tyrol and transferred South Tyrol under the control of Italy. During the fascist period, the autonomy issue was put aside until 1948, when the Special Statute for the Trentino-Alto Adige Region granted South Tyrol a form of administrative, cultural and legislative autonomy. In 1972, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano was established, which was divided into two provinces: Bolzano and Trento, with consequent changes to the Statute of Autonomy, which granted greater powers to the two provinces, such as the official language (Italian, German and Ladin), the administration of cultural heritage, vocational training, among others.
Culture
The territory of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is characterized by a strong cultural tradition. The roots of this ancient culture date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds in pile-dwelling settlements, necropolises and rock art, such as in the areas of Val Venosta and Val Passiria. This province is known for its multiculturalism, where historic buildings in Gothic, Baroque and neoclassical styles can be admired. There are numerous traditional festivals, including symbolic masks performed during carnival, religious processions, traditional costume parades and Christmas celebrations.
Language
The South Tyrolean dialect is the most widely spoken language in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, followed by German and Ladin, the latter mainly spoken in some valleys of the province. The official language of the provincial authority is Italian, German and Ladin, and the regulation of language use is governed by the Special Statute. To support winter tourism, the Ladino Micurà de Rü Institute conducts research and promotes activities and publications in Ladino language, in order to keep the local culture alive.
Economy
The economy of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is mainly based on tourism, thanks to sports activities, leisure facilities and mountain activities. The tourist offer of the province is highly specialized, with a wide range of winter and summer services, including skiing, hiking and climbing. The local economy is also based on the sale of food products, such as wines (in South Tyrol you can find some of the best Italian wineries), speck (smoked pork meat typical of the province), fruits and vegetables.
Conclusions
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is a diverse place from a historical, linguistic and cultural point of view. The dual designation of the authority reflects this multiplicity of cultures and languages. South Tyrol is an example of how different cultures can coexist and collaborate with each other, and represents an important tourist and cultural reference point in northern Italy.
