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Trentino-Alto Adige, region of trentino-alto adige, trentino-alto adige region
Region of Trentino-Alto Adige

Trentino-Alto Adige Region: location, history, culture, interest

Trentino-Alto Adige is one of the five autonomous regions in Italy. It is located in the north-east of the country and consists of two provinces: Bolzano and Trento. The region is bordered by Austria to the north, by Switzerland to the north-west and by the Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto to the west and south. It covers 13,607 square kilometres. It is extremely mountainous, covering a large part of the Dolomites and the southern Alps.

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Trentino-Alto Adige has a reputation as one of the best holiday locations in Italy. It offers the visitor popular ski resorts and immaculate medieval towns, glorious nature, warm hospitality, reliable accommodation and extremely affordable prices. In winter, the skiing is second to none. Spring and Autumn provides hikers with an established network of well-marked trails, with stops in remote mountain hamlets where German is more widely spoken than Italian and Sauerkraut is more common than pasta. All year round, the area offers breathtaking scenery with saw-toothed ridges, snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows and glittering waterfalls.

Despite outward appearances, this is a deeply divided region, an area which has long struggled to find its own identity.

Napoleon conquered the region and placed it under the realm of the Austrian Habsburgs, who ruled it until it was returned to Italy in 1919. A large proportion of the population never accepted that political arrangement, and in 1939, Mussolini they were given the opportunity to either accept Italian citizenship and remain, or assume German citizenship and emigrate north. The overwhelming majority chose the second option, which left the area extremely underpopulated.

In 1948, Trentino-Alto Adige was made an autonomous region. Unfortunately, this has increased divisions in the area. Trentino, the southern part of the region centered around the beautiful city of Trento, has become far more Italian than the northern part, Alto Adige, which is also known as Südtyrol. In addition, there are a large number of residents who belong to another ethnic group and who speak an ancient language known as Ladin. This utterly incomprehensible language, which combines Celtic dialects with Latin, resulted from the arrival of the Roman legions in the first century BC. The town of Vigo di Fassa has a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and traditions of the Ladin people.

The region of Trentino-Alto Adige is now divided into two autonomous provinces: Trentino and South Tyrol (also known as Alto Adige or Südtirol). Trentino is primarily Italian-speaking, while South Tyrol is bilingual, with both Italian and German as official languages. This linguistic duality is reflective of the region's historical and cultural background, which has been influenced by both Italy and Austria.

One of the most striking features of Trentino-Alto Adige is its breathtaking natural beauty. The region is home to the Dolomites, a mountain range recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The jagged peaks, deep valleys, and lush meadows of the Dolomites attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding, depending on the season.

The Dolomites are also renowned for their stunning alpine lakes, including Lake Garda, Lake Caldonazzo, and Lake Molveno. These crystal-clear bodies of water are perfect for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. In addition, Trentino-Alto Adige boasts numerous nature parks and protected areas, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and peaceful walks amidst the pristine landscapes.

The region's cultural heritage is equally captivating. Trentino-Alto Adige has a long and complex history that has left a lasting imprint on its architecture, traditions, and cuisine. In the cities and towns, visitors can admire medieval castles, well-preserved historic centers, and charming village squares. Trento, the capital of Trentino, is known for its Renaissance architecture, while Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, combines Italian flair with Austrian influences.

One of the most famous cultural landmarks in the region is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. It houses the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly well-preserved Copper Age man discovered in the nearby Ötztal Alps. This archaeological find provides valuable insights into the region's prehistoric past and is a major attraction for history buffs.

Trentino-Alto Adige also boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. The region is known for its excellent wines, particularly those produced in the Adige Valley and along the shores of Lake Garda. Grapes such as Gewürztraminer, Lagrein, and Pinot Noir thrive in the region's favorable climate, resulting in high-quality wines appreciated both locally and internationally.

The cuisine of Trentino-Alto Adige combines Italian and Austrian flavors, resulting in a unique gastronomic experience. Traditional dishes include canederli (bread dumplings), speck (smoked ham), apple strudel, and knödel (dumplings). The region is also famous for its dairy products, particularly cheeses such as Trentingrana and Stelvio.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Trentino-Alto Adige offers a wide range of recreational activities and wellness opportunities. The region is home to numerous spa resorts and thermal baths, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate amidst stunning natural surroundings. The combination of invigorating outdoor activities and soothing wellness experiences makes Trentino-Alto Adige a popular destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching vacation.

Furthermore, Trentino-Alto Adige hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Trento Film Festival showcases the best of mountain cinema, while the Bolzano Film Festival focuses on international independent films. The region also celebrates its traditions with vibrant events such as the Merano Grape Festival and the Bressanone Christmas Market, which highlight the local culture, crafts, and cuisine.

In conclusion, Trentino-Alto Adige is a region of outstanding beauty, where nature, history, and culture come together harmoniously. Its majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and charming towns offer a multitude of opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Trentino-Alto Adige is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Flag of Trentino-Alto Adige
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 13,607 km²
      Population: 994,703
      Density: 73/km²
      Capital: Trento

      National Parks:
      Stelvio National Park
Location of Trentino-Alto Adige
Provinces of Trentino-Alto Adige
  • Comunes of Trentino-Alto Adige
    • Bolzano
      • Aldino
        Andriano
        Anterivo
        Appiano sulla Strada del Vino
        Avelengo
        Badia
        Barbiano
        Bolzano
        Braies
        Brennero
        Bressanone
        Bronzolo
        Brunico
        Caines
        Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino
        Campo di Trens
        Campo Tures
        Castelbello-Ciardes
        Castelrotto
        Cermes
        Chienes
        Chiusa
        Cornedo all’Isarco
        Cortaccia sulla Strada del Vino
        Cortina sulla Strada del Vino
        Corvara in Badia
        Curon Venosta
        Dobbiaco
        Egna
        Falzes
        Fiè allo Sciliar
        Fortezza
        Funes
        Gais
        Gargazzone
        Glorenza
        La Valle
        Laces
        Lagundo
        Laion
        Laives
        Lana
        Lasa
        Lauregno
        Luson
        Magrè sulla Strada del Vino
        Malles Venosta
        Marebbe
        Marlengo
        Martello
        Meltina
        Merano
        Monguelfo-Tesido
        Montagna
        Moso in Passiria
        Nalles
        Naturno
        Naz-Sciaves
        Nova Levante
        Nova Ponente
        Ora
        Ortisei
        Parcines
        Perca
        Plaus
        Ponte Gardena
        Postal
        Prato allo Stelvio
        Predoi
        Proves
        Racines
        Rasun Anterselva
        Renon
        Rifiano
        Rio di Pusteria
        Rodengo
        Salorno
        San Candido
        San Genesio Atesino
        San Leonardo in Passiria
        San Lorenzo di Sebato
        San Martino in Badia
        San Martino in Passiria
        San Pancrazio
        Santa Cristina Valgardena
        Sarentino
        Scena
        Selva dei Molini
        Selva di Val Gardena
        Senales
        Senale-San Felice
        Sesto
        Silandro
        Sluderno
        Stelvio
        Terento
        Terlano
        Termeno sulla Strada del Vino
        Tesimo
        Tires
        Tirolo
        Trodena nel parco naturale
        Tubre
        Ultimo
        Vadena
        Val di Vizze
        Valdaora
        Valle Aurina
        Valle di Casies
        Vandoies
        Varna
        Velturno
        Verano
        Villabassa
        Villandro
        Vipiteno

    • Trento
      • Ala
        Albiano
        Aldeno
        Amblar
        Andalo
        Arco
        Avio
        Baselga di Pinè
        Bedollo
        Bersone
        Besenello
        Bieno
        Bleggio Superiore
        Bocenago
        Bolbeno
        Bondo
        Bondone
        Borgo Valsugana
        Bosentino
        Breguzzo
        Brentonico
        Bresimo
        Brez
        Brione
        Caderzone Terme
        Cagnò
        Calavino
        Calceranica al Lago
        Caldes
        Caldonazzo
        Calliano
        Campitello di Fassa
        Campodenno
        Canal San Bovo
        Canazei
        Capriana
        Carano
        Carisolo
        Carzano
        Castel Condino
        Castelfondo
        Castello Tesino
        Castello-Molina di Fiemme
        Castelnuovo
        Cavalese
        Cavareno
        Cavedago
        Cavedine
        Cavizzana
        Cembra
        Centa San Nicolò
        Cimego
        Cimone
        Cinte Tesino
        Cis
        Civezzano
        Cles
        Cloz
        Comano Terme
        Commezzadura
        Condino
        Coredo
        Croviana
        Cunevo
        Daiano
        Dambel
        Daone
        Darè
        Denno
        Dimaro
        Don
        Dorsino
        Drena
        Dro
        Faedo
        Fai della Paganella
        Faver
        Fiavè
        Fiera di Primiero
        Fierozzo
        Flavon
        Folgaria
        Fondo
        Fornace
        Frassilongo
        Garniga Terme
        Giovo
        Giustino
        Grauno
        Grigno
        Grumes
        Imer
        Isera
        Ivano-Fracena
        Lardaro
        Lasino
        Lavarone
        Lavis
        Ledro
        Levico Terme
        Lisignago
        Livo
        Lona-Lases
        Luserna
        Malè
        Malosco
        Massimeno
        Mazzin
        Mezzana
        Mezzano
        Mezzocorona
        Mezzolombardo
        Moena
        Molveno
        Monclassico
        Montagne
        Mori
        Nago-Torbole
        Nanno
        Nave San Rocco
        Nogaredo
        Nomi
        Novaledo
        Ospedaletto
        Ossana
        Padergnone
        Palù del Fersina
        Panchià
        Peio
        Pellizzano
        Pelugo
        Pergine Valsugana
        Pieve di Bono
        Pieve Tesino
        Pinzolo
        Pomarolo
        Pozza di Fassa
        Praso
        Predazzo
        Preore
        Prezzo
        Rabbi
        Ragoli
        Revò
        Riva del Garda
        Romallo
        Romeno
        Roncegno Terme
        Ronchi Valsugana
        Roncone
        Ronzo-Chienis
        Ronzone
        Roverè della Luna
        Rovereto
        Ruffrè-Mendola
        Rumo
        Sagron Mis
        Samone
        San Lorenzo in Banale
        San Michele all’Adige
        Sant’Orsola Terme
        Sanzeno
        Sarnonico
        Scurelle
        Segonzano
        Sfruz
        Siror
        Smarano
        Soraga
        Sover
        Spera
        Spiazzo
        Spormaggiore
        Sporminore
        Stenico
        Storo
        Strembo
        Strigno
        Taio
        Tassullo
        Telve
        Telve di Sopra
        Tenna
        Tenno
        Terlago
        Terragnolo
        Terres
        Terzolas
        Tesero
        Tione di Trento
        Ton
        Tonadico
        Torcegno
        Trambileno
        Transacqua
        Trento
        Tres
        Tuenno

        Valda
        Valfloriana
        Vallarsa
        Varena
        Vattaro
        Vermiglio
        Vervò
        Vezzano
        Vignola-Falesina
        Vigo di Fassa
        Vigo Rendena
        Vigolo Vattaro
        Villa Agnedo
        Villa Lagarina
        Villa Rendena
        Volano
        Zambana
        Ziano di Fiemme
        Zuclo

Trentino-Alto Adige Airports
Hotels in Trentino-Alto Adige
Trentino-Alto AdigeWEATHER
Trentino-Alto Adige Climate (Trento)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 9 2 3 55
Feb 11 3 4 53
Mar 13 4 5 63
Apr 17 7 6 55
May 21 11 8 35
Jun 25 15 9 44
Jul 28 17 10 34
Aug 28 17 9 54
Sep 25 14 7 61
Oct 20 11 6 74
Nov 15 8 4 71
Dec 12 3 3 77
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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