South Tyrol is a land of passes and therefore a transit land in the
heart of the Alps, lying to the South of its Main ridge, a link between the
central European and Mediterranean worlds. Its position as trade intersection
point, equi-distant between Venice and Munich on a north-west-south-east axis
and between Vienna and Genoa on a north-east-south-west axis, made Bozen
(Bolzano) early on an important goods transhipment place.
South Tyrol also lies at the climatic intersection point between the bracing
north and the warm south. South Tyrol has therefore long been a meeting point
for traders, carriers, pilgrims and keen travellers, which has required the
setting up of suitable accommodation. Hundreds of years old are also the health
resorts which have resulted in tourist establishments being set up for them,
particularly in the foothills between Meran (Merano) and Salurn (Salorno). In
addition dozens of baths throughout the Province - thermal springs and herbal
baths - cater for a limited amount of tourism.
The agriculture belongs to the oldest economic branches of the world and has
brought prosperity also to our country. South Tyrol has a centuries old farming
tradition. Even if today agriculture no longer has the same socio-political
importance as other economic sectors that it had decades ago, nevertheless this
farming tradition does affect many areas of life.