South Tyrol’s capital
Bolzano, also known as Bozen in German, is located in Italy’s northernmost province South Tyrol (Alto Adige or Südtirol). It is renowned for its picturesque surroundings and the harmonious coexistence of two cultures, reflecting in the city’s architecture, language, and cuisine.
Bolzano has a long and varied history. Originally a Roman settlement as lying on the famous Via Claudia Augusta, it became an important trading hub in the Middle Ages. Its strategic location has made it a focal point in various historical events, contributing to its rich cultural heritage.
For instance, the period of Italian fascism changed the city permanently: in the context of the Italianisation programme that the regime had systematically launched, the city's population grew considerably thanks to a massively promoted Italian-speaking influx.