keppizioni

Keppizioni is a small municipality in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige. It covers an area of 12.4 square kilometres and, as of the 2021 census, has a population of approximately 1,200 residents. The community lies in a valley along the roots of the Dolomites, adjacent to the border with Austria, and is accessible via a single mountain pass that has historically served as a trade route between the two nations.

The origins of Keppizioni date back to the early Middle Ages, when a cluster of alpine farms was consolidated into a single settlement. The name is believed to derive from a local dialect term meaning ‘small refuge.’ In the 17th and 18th centuries the village grew modestly, primarily through sheep herding and the cultivation of hardy cereals suited to the mountain climate. The construction of a small chapel in 1754 marked a significant cultural development, and the structure later became a focal point for regional pilgrimage.

Today, Keppizioni's economy remains largely based on agritourism and the seasonal harvest of chestnuts and mushrooms, which are exported to nearby urban centres. A small artisanal bakery produces traditional breads that attract visitors during the commuter season. Local governance is overseen by a mayor and a municipal council, and the town participates in inter-municipal cooperation initiatives focused on sustainable tourism.

Culturally, the town observes an annual chestnut festival in late September, which includes folk music, dance, and the competition for the best chestnut soup. Architectural highlights include the 18th‑century chapel and a wooden watchtower erected in 1890 to guard against banditry. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the demographic distribution reveals a median age of 42 years, with a slightly higher proportion of seniors than national averages, reflecting broader rural aging trends in Italy.