Italian Towers

The Dolomites, an eastern branch of the European Alps, rise as high as 3,342 m (10,965 ft) and dominate the northern Italian landscape. The region is divided by numerous mountain ridges and steep river valleys. With many meadows and crystal-clear lakes, it is one of Europe's most popular vacation spots. The area around Bolzano was governed by the Austrian Bishops of Trento from 1531 to 1813 and then by the Austrian Empire until 1918, when it became part of Italy. The population is primarily German, and the biggest industries are tourism, farming, and cattle and horse raising.

Francois Gohier/Photo Researchers, Inc.

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Alps; Italy; Dolomites

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