Sterzing - Vipiteno

Sterzing (Italian: Vipiteno) is in South Tyrol. The city is just south of the Brenner Pass. This historic Alpine town is the main town of the Wipptal region and advertises itself as the gateway to South Tyrol. The area was first setted in prehistoric times. Vipitenum is found in Roman records. The German name Sterzing was first mentioned in a document in 1180. The town received city rights under Count Meinhard II in 1280 and during this time, grew in size. The city is the crossing point of trade routes facilitated by the Alpine crossings of the Brenner Pass and this trade was the reason for its economic growth. In the Middle Ages Sterzing was an important trading town. From the 15th century, silver mining became an important source of income in Ridnaun. The city continued to flourish, with magnificent patrician houses getting built. At its peak, Vipiteno was a trading hub, as well as the seat of the courts. Towards the end of the 16th century, the city lost some of its importance due to declining silver deposits. At this time, agriculture became a stronger economic force. Tourism is a big source of income in modern times.

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Sterzing - Vipiteno is a stopover point on The Via Romea Germanica. You can reach Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano in 44 days and Bolzano - Bozen in 4 days.