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The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, located in northern Italy, is the largest province in the country, covering an area of over 7,000 km². It is also the northernmost province in Italy and part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano has a population of more than 530,000 and together with the autonomous province of Trento, it constitutes the Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euroregion. The region stands out for linguistic and cultural reasons both from Italy and Austria.
Toponomy
The province is officially called "Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol" in Italian and "Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol" in German. Although in German the name "Südtirol" means "South Tyrol", the term is used to refer to the province of Bolzano, which was the center of the historical region of Tyrol and the County of South Tyrol during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As for the Ladin language, the name "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan - Südtirol" or "Provinzia Autonoma de Bulsan - Südtirol" is used, depending on the dialect.
Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol Region
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is one of the two provinces that make up the Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol Region. The Italian Constitution of 2001 gave the region its official name. The region is populated by people of different ethnicities such as Italians, Germans, and Ladin, making it unique in Italy. There have been many battles for the definition and recognition of cultural and linguistic identities in the region.
History
During the Habsburg domination, the territory of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol was part of Tyrol and was part of South Tyrol along with Trentino. After World War I, the Treaty of Saint-Germain assigned South Tyrol to Italy and Trentino became part of the Kingdom of Italy. In 1946, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol gained autonomy, which guaranteed extensive powers over local affairs.
Geography
The province has a wide range of landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites mountain range. The province also has a wide range of natural habitats, supporting a variety of flora and fauna including deer, snow foxes, and golden eagles. Nature is the beating heart of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol.
Culture
The province hosts a unique culture with inhabitants speaking Italian, German, and Ladin. There are many festivities throughout the year where the community celebrates their roots and history. South Tyrol is famous for its cuisine, featuring dishes such as speck, canederli, polenta, and sauerkraut. Furthermore, the province is famous for its wine production, particularly Gewürztraminer.
Tourism
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is a popular tourist destination for nature, history, and culture enthusiasts. The province is also known for its ski resorts, which attract numerous visitors during the winter. The province offers a wide range of activities including hiking, sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural visits.
In conclusion, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is a unique region with an extraordinary culture and history. The province is a popular tourist destination that offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, and activities for all ages.
