Villabassa
Presentation of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, with 533,175 inhabitants and an area of 13,713 km², is the largest province in Italy and is part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Together with the autonomous province of Trento and the Austrian Tyrol, it forms the Euroregion Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino. The province is known for its linguistic and cultural diversity, which links it to Tyrol for historical reasons.
Toponymy
The official name of the province is "Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol," but the territory is also known as "South Tyrol" or "Tirolo del Sud," and its inhabitants as "sudtirolesi." It is important to note that historically, the term "Südtirol" also referred to other regions of Tyrol, and the modern use of this term is a matter of debate among scholars. The Ladin language, spoken in some parts of the province, is referred to in official documents as "Autonomous Province of Balsan/Bulsan - South Tyrol" depending on the dialectal variant.
History and Culture
The territory of today's Bolzano province has a rich and complex history, which has marked its culture and traditions. During the Habsburg domination, the territory was known as "Mitteltirol," while with "Südtirol" often meant Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol. The province officially became autonomous in 1972, following the Constitutional Law of the State, which established a Special Statute Region for Trentino-Alto Adige.
Territory
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol has a vast and varied territory that includes the Italian and Austrian Alps, with alpine valleys and wine hills. The province is also known for its tourist complexes, such as ski resorts and thermal resorts. Agriculture and livestock are still important economic activities for many local communities.
Languages and Identity
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is known for the presence of three official languages: Italian, German, and Ladin. This linguistic diversity reflects the history and traditions of many local communities, which identify themselves differently depending on the language and culture they refer to. The province promotes the valorization of cultural diversity and local identities, balancing the interests of the diverse communities.
Economy and Work
The economy of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is based on a wide range of economic activities, including tourism, agriculture, livestock, trade, and industry. Strong attention is given to environmental sustainability and workers' welfare, through public policies and private initiatives.
In conclusion, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol is a territory rich in history, culture, and beauty, reflecting the diversity of the Alpine region and its importance at the European level. The valorization of local identity and the promotion of sustainable development are at the center of the province's public policies, striving to find a balance between the interests of the diverse communities that make it up.
