Trentino vs Alto Adige: language, culture and life in Italy’s Alpine north

Trentino and Alto Adige are often grouped together as one Alpine destination, yet they are two autonomous provinces with distinct languages, cultures and histories. For foreigners considering life in the region, the most noticeable contrast is linguistic: Trentino is predominantly Italian-speaking, while Alto Adige, also called Südtirol , has a German-speaking majority and strong ties to the…