San Pancrazio
Welcome to Bolzano – Alto Adige Autonomous Province
Bolzano – Alto Adige Autonomous Province is the northernmost province in Italy, covering an area of 7,399 km² with a population of 533,175. It is known for its mountainous landscape and cultural richness. In this article, we will explore the toponymy of the province and its historical origins.
Toponymy
The province has a dual name: "Bolzano – Alto Adige Autonomous Province" and "Autonome Provinz Bozen – Südtirol". The inhabitants of the province are generally called "altoatesi", but there are also other denominations such as "South Tyrol", "Südtirol" or "Tirolo del sud". Additionally, in Ladin form, the province is called "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan/Bulsan – Südtirol" depending on the local variations.
During the Habsburg era, the territory of the current Bolzano province was known as "Mitteltirol," or central Tyrol, while the term "Südtirol" (South Tyrol) was often used to refer to the current Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol. However, in the 1915 Pact of London, Article 4 explicitly referred to "Trentino" and "Cisalpine Tyrol" (south of the Brenner) separately. Therefore, the use of the term "Südtirol" to indicate the territory between the Brenner and Salorno may be unjustified.
The history of the province
The history of the Bolzano province is very peculiar and goes back a long time. In 1919, the province was annexed to Italy when the Treaty of Versailles established that Southern Tyrol would be assigned to Italy. In 1948, the province obtained a special autonomy statute.
The Bolzano province and Trento autonomous province were united under a single administration during the fascist regime, but after the end of World War II, they were divided into two separate autonomous provinces. The Bolzano province has been at the center of intense cultural, linguistic, and political activity in recent decades.
Today, the Bolzano province is known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. The provincial population is composed of citizens who primarily speak Italian, German, and Ladin. Although there is some competition between different linguistic groups, coexistence is peaceful and respectful.
The province today
Today, the Bolzano province is an important economic and tourist center, with an economy based mainly on tourism, agriculture, and industry. The province is known for its ski resorts, vineyards, and towering mountains.
Tourism is the main economic engine of the region, both in winter and summer. The ski resorts of Val Gardena and Alta Badia are among the most famous in Europe, while in summer, the province offers numerous hiking and biking opportunities.
Agriculture is another important economic activity, with apple, wine, and cheese production among the main productions. The province is also famous for its speck, a type of smoked ham.
Industry is present mainly in the flatter areas, where the province is home to important companies producing machinery, furniture, and other manufactured goods.
Conclusion
In summary, Bolzano – Alto Adige Autonomous Province is a region with a very peculiar history and a unique cultural and linguistic diversity. Today, it is an important economic and tourist center, with an economy based mainly on tourism, agriculture, and industry. If you're thinking of visiting this region, make sure to have the time to explore it fully: you might be surprised by its beauty and cultural richness!
