Innichen (Italian: San Candido; Ladin: Sanciana) is a comune (municipality) in South Tyrol, Italy. It is located in the Puster Valley, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of the city of Bolzano, and immediately west of the border with Austria.
Etymology and Names: The German name "Innichen" is derived from the ancient Roman settlement of Littamum or Lit(t)a. The Italian name "San Candido" is a later translation, referring to Saint Candidus, to whom the local collegiate church is dedicated. The Ladin name "Sanciana" is also a variant of San Candido.
Geography: Innichen is situated in the upper Puster Valley, at the confluence of the Drava River and the Sesto Valley. It lies within the Dolomites mountain range, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The municipality is bordered by the Austrian states of Tyrol and Carinthia. It is a gateway to the Three Peaks Nature Park (Drei Zinnen Naturpark), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History:
- Roman Era: The area was inhabited since Roman times, with the settlement of Littamum serving as a waystation along the Via Augusta (a Roman road connecting the Adriatic coast with the Alpine regions).
- Medieval Period: In 769 AD, Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria founded a Benedictine monastery in Innichen, which played a crucial role in the Christianization and Germanization of the Eastern Alps. The collegiate church of Innichen, dedicated to Saints Candidus and Corbinian, is a significant example of Romanesque architecture.
- Habsburg Rule: For centuries, Innichen was part of the County of Tyrol, which became part of the Habsburg Monarchy.
- 20th Century: Following World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Innichen, along with the rest of South Tyrol, was annexed by Italy in 1919. Despite the change in sovereignty, the majority of the population remains German-speaking.
Economy and Tourism: Innichen is a popular tourist destination throughout the year.
- Winter Sports: It is part of the "Dolomiti Superski" area, offering extensive opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
- Summer Activities: In warmer months, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding are popular. The Drava cycling path (Drauradweg) originates here, leading into Austria.
- Infrastructure: The town boasts numerous hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists.
Demographics: According to the 2011 census, approximately 85.06% of the inhabitants identified as German speakers, 14.54% as Italian speakers, and 0.40% as Ladin speakers.