Trentino-Alto Adige

Spectacular earth pillars are found near Bolzano in the Dolomites, northern Italy. The large rocks protect the soft boulder clay beneath from erosion. As a result, there are rock-caps supported by very steep slopes. However, in recent decades earthquake activity has shaken many of the pillars, causing the rocks to fall.

Province and special autonomous region of northern Italy, comprising the provinces of Bolzano and Trento; area 13,607 sq km/5,254 sq mi; population (1998 est) 929,600. Its chief towns are Trento (the capital) in the Italian-speaking southern area, and Bolzano (Bozen) in the northern German-speaking area of South Tirol (the region was Austrian until ceded to Italy in 1919 in the settlement following World War I). Wine, fruit, dairy products, and timber are produced. Paper, chemical, and metal industries use hydroelectric power.

Physical The region is entirely in the Alps and consists mostly of the Adige Valley and the valleys of its tributaries, the Isarco and the Avisio. It includes much of the Dolomite mountain system, and the Ortler range which lies west of the Dolomites and the River Adige, rising to a height of 3,899 m/12,792 ft at the Ortler.

History Trentino-Alto Adige was the scene of prolonged fighting between the Italians and the Austrians in World War I, particularly in 1916. By the Treaty of St Germain-en-Laye (1919), the region was ceded to Italy. After 1945 there was considerable agitation among the German-speaking inhabitants at their inclusion in Italy. This stopped after extensive local autonomy was granted.