Prettau
Comune of South Tyrol, Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Prettau (German: [prɛˈtaɪ]; Italian: Predoi [preˈdɔi]) is a comune (municipality) of South Tyrol, an Italian province in the country's north. It is the northernmost comune of Italy and is located within the Alps at the border with Austria. It is situated at 1,478 metres (4,849 ft) above sea level. As of 2024[update], the population was 518.
Prettau
Predoi | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Prettau | |
View of Prettau | |
 Coat of arms | |
  Prettau Location of Prettau in Italy  Prettau Prettau (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) | |
| Coordinates: 47°2′N 12°6′E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol |
| Province | South Tyrol |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Robert Alexander Steger |
| Area | |
• Total | 86 km2 (33 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,478 m (4,849 ft) |
| Population (2024)[2] | |
• Total | 518 |
| • Density | 6.0/km2 (16/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | German: Prettauer Italian: di Predoi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 39030 |
| Dialing code | 0474 |
| Website | www |
Copper mining was historically the major industry in Prettau, until the abandonment of its copper mine in 1893.
History
Prettau became a comune in 1958.[2]
Its coat of arms was granted in 1967 and is a blue and silver shield divided by four stylised adjacent mountain peaks and charged with two crossed pickaxes in the lower half. The shield depicts Prettau surrounded by tall glacial mountains, and the pickaxes are a reference to Prettau's historical copper mining industry.[2]
Geography
Prettau is located 1,478 metres (4,849 ft) above sea level. Its territory covers an area of 86 square kilometres (33 mi2).[2][3] About 70% of its area is protected land within the boundaries of Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park.[3] Prettau is the northernmost comune of Italy.[4]
Demographics
Economy
Copper mining was the main economic activity in Prettau until 1893.[3] According to a local legend, a farmer discovered Prettau's copper deposits by chance while trying to tame a bull. The bull's horns struck the ground and brought out golden sand. Locals initially mistook it for gold before realising it was copper.[8] The old copper mine has since been converted into a local history museum.[3]
Prettau's economy is now served primarily by tourism. The comune is known for its local bobbin lace–making.[3]
