Rasun-Anterselva

Welcome to South Tyrol!

If you're looking for an Italian province with a cool climate and unique beauty, the autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is the perfect choice for you! With its 533,175 inhabitants, it's Italy's largest province and boasts 7,398 km² of natural beauty, incredible mountain landscapes, and endless recreational activities.

Toponymy: Different names to identify the province

This region is located in Trentino-Alto Adige, in the extreme north of Italy, bordering Switzerland and Austria. There are various names used to identify the autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol. Since 1972, the special statute region has used the names "Province of Bolzano" or "Autonomous Province of Bolzano," accompanied by the German equivalent ("Provinz Bozen" or "Autonome Provinz Bozen"). However, Article 116 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic reformed in 2001 uses the new name "South Tyrol/Alto Adige." The same entity uses the double name "Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol" in all its documents, officially translated in Germany as "Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol." The people who live in the province are called South Tyroleans.

Discover the enchanting South Tyrol, the largest province in Italy.

Italy's Largest Province

The autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol boasts a surface area of 7,398 km², making it Italy's largest province. Natural beauty is everywhere, from the peaks of the Alps, where you can find incredible ski slopes, to the picturesque countryside landscapes. The variety of outdoor activities you can do in this place is wide and caters to all tastes, such as hiking or cycling, visiting nearby cities, or tasting local culinary delights.

The Cultural Beauty of the Region

The autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is rich in extraordinary cultural heritage, reflecting its union with Austrian culture. The region is also part of the Euroregion Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino, which, with its linguistic and cultural ties, unifies the cities of the Triveneto. German and Ladin languages are used in this region, but Italian is the official language and widely spoken. This mix of cultures offers a unique environment to live and discover.

Finally, South Tyrol

During the Austro-Hungarian domination, the current territory of the province of Bolzano was also called "Mitteltirol," meaning Central Tyrol. The term "Südtirol" (South Tyrol) was commonly used to designate today's Trentino or the entire southern area of Tyrol. Alto Adige, on the other hand, referred only to the northern part of southern Tyrol under Italian control. Additionally, there are different other denominations used for the province, such as "Sud Tirolo," "Sudtirolo," or "Tirolo del sud" for the province of Bolzano, and "sudtirolesi" for its German or Ladin-speaking inhabitants. However, it can certainly be said that "Südtirol" has become the most well-known and widely used name to identify this region.

In summary, the autonomous province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is a place that never disappoints. Every corner of this charming Italian area is rich in natural and cultural beauty and will undoubtedly leave you speechless. Come and visit this enchanting place and get ready to experience new discoveries and unforgettable adventures. We're waiting for you!

Giovanni Rinaldi
Updated Monday, Jun 13, 2022