Prato allo Stelvio
Presentation of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is one of the northernmost provinces in Italy and is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The province covers an area of 7,400 square kilometers and is the largest in Italy. Its population is approximately 533,175 inhabitants. The province is composed of two distinct parts: the Italian part, the province of Bolzano, and the German-speaking part, South Tyrol.
Toponymy
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol has a dual name. The official name is "Autonomous Province of Bolzano", accompanied by the equivalent official translation in German ("Autonome Provinz Bozen"). Article 116 of the Italian Constitution, starting from the constitutional reform of 2001, states "South Tyrol/Alto Adige": "The Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol Region is composed of the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano." Therefore, the entity uses the dual name "Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol" in all its acts (officially translated in German as "Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol").
The inhabitants of the province of Bolzano are generally referred to as South Tyroleans, but the use of the terms "Sud Tyrol", "Sudtirolo" or "Tirolo del sud" for the province of Bolzano and "Sudtirolesi" for its German-speaking or Ladin-speaking inhabitants is not uncommon. The Ladin form is not mentioned in the autonomy statute or in other laws of the state, but in provincial acts, it is used as "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan - Südtirol" (in the Badioto dialect variant) or "Provinzia Autonoma de Bulsan - Südtirol" (in the Gardenese dialect variant).
History of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
During Austrian rule, the territory of today's province of Bolzano was also known as "Mitteltirol", or Central Tyrol, while "Südtirol" (South Tyrol) often referred to today's Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol - essentially Trentino-Alto Adige - where a distinction was made between the Italian-speaking southern Tyrol ("italienisches Südtirol", "Welschsüdtirol" or "Welschtirol", Trentino) and the German-speaking southern Tyrol ("Deutschsüdtirol", today's South Tyrol). The use of the term "Südtirol" to indicate the territory between Brenner and Salorno would therefore, according to some authors, be unjustified.
In any case, the London Pact of 1915 expressly referred in Art. 4 to the "Trentino" and "Cisalpine Tyrol" (south of the Brenner) separately. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol has undergone various historical and political events. For example, after the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1919, the Italian government tried to impose the Italianization of the province, prohibiting the use of German and Ladin languages. This policy provoked numerous protests that culminated in the 1957 insurrection.
Culture of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
The culture of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is very particular. Thanks to its geographic position, the province has undergone many influences from Germany, Austria, and other European countries. Cultural diversity is evident in local language and traditions. The official language of the province is German, with a minority speaking Ladin and Italian.
Local traditions, particularly those related to music and dance, are very popular. Many of the traditional dances of the province are performed in local attire. The cuisine of the province is also influenced by German and Austrian culture. Additionally, the province is famous for its cheese production, including apple strudel, which is a local specialty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is one of the most interesting provinces in Italy for its dual name, particular history, and varied culture influenced by its geographic position. Every year, the province attracts numerous visitors, drawn to the natural beauty of the region, local traditions, and cuisine. The province is a must-see for anyone looking to discover a unique part of Italy.
