Vinschgau

Vinschgau or Val Venosta is a valley in the western part of the province of South Tyrol, Italy. It is the upper part of the Adige or Etsch river valley, bounded by the Ortler Alps to the west and the Ötztal Alps to the east.

Geography

Vinschgau extends about 65 km from Merano to the west to the Reschen Pass in the northwest. The valley is formed by the Adige river and is surrounded by high mountains, such as the Ortler and the Ötztal Alps. The valley floor is covered by a dense network of apple orchards, which is a major part of the local economy.

History

The history of Vinschgau dates back to the prehistoric times. The valley was inhabited by the Raeti people, who were later conquered by the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Vinschgau was part of the County of Tyrol, which was a state of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 19th century, the valley became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Economy

The economy of Vinschgau is mainly based on agriculture, especially apple production. The valley is one of the largest apple-growing areas in Europe. Other important sectors are tourism and hydroelectric power generation.

Culture

The culture of Vinschgau is characterized by a blend of Italian and Austrian influences. The valley is home to several historic sites, such as the Churburg Castle and the St. Proculus Church. The local cuisine is a mix of Italian and Tyrolean dishes, with specialties such as Schlutzkrapfen and Speck.

See also

• South Tyrol
• Ortler
• Ötztal Alps
• Merano
• Raeti
• Roman Empire
• County of Tyrol
• Holy Roman Empire
• Kingdom of Italy
• Churburg Castle
• St. Proculus Church
• Schlutzkrapfen
• Speck