The effect of nature on shaping this region and its people has been formidable. All perspectives emanate from the mountain prospect. Views and thinking. The heights and the lower regions, closeness and vastness are tightly knit in South Tyrol's world.

 

Since time immemorial the latest, the foreign, the progressive, all these influences have left their mark on South Tyrol while life in the higher regions has remained arduous. On the high Alpine pastures knowledge about nature and tradition has become intuitively embedded in everyday life, while below in the valleys far-sighted people realised long ago that culture adds character to the country. Persons engaged in the preservation of historic monuments have been caring for the region's cultural heritage since 1850. These monuments have escaped largely unscathed by wars. This region famous for its castles, noble residencies, churches, is safeguarded by official bodies. History has enriched it.

 

480,000 people inhabit this region. Germans, Italians and Ladin people all have their own customs, histories and memories.

 

Over time the walls have opened. Lives meet, habits merge, histories become intertwined, languages overlap. A culture of everyday life developed, in a way which is only possible in South Tyrol. Alpine and Mediterranean life styles have learned to walk together.

 

Contrasts of landscapes and cultures continue to enliven South Tyrol's world. Here culture is an attitude of life. "Culturonda" has been compiled to pass on this unique South Tyrolean cultural experience. "Culturonda" is aimed at those interested in taking time to discover and savour the region, its people and places of cultural interest. "Culturonda" comprises a selection of twelve cultural encounters, places or delights to experience in South Tyrol, providing a reliable introduction to the region's many faceted cultural treasure trove.

 

The brochure "Culturonda" is available at the Tourist Board of Kaltern.

 

Fonts: www.suedtirol.info