From the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to the Great Himalaya Trail, passing through the extremely difficult GR20 of Europe: there are thousands of paths in the world. Whether it is a high mountain, a desert or a dense forest, man has always made his way by tracing long routes on every continent. Often these have remained in history, becoming a symbol of pilgrimage or adventure. Such wonders are found everywhere, even in Italy. And today, thanks to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, it is possible to know them all. Like? With the Atlas of the paths of Italy!
Atlas of the paths of Italy: Italic pilgrimage
The first Atlas of the paths of Italy was officially put online on 4 November (available here). It is about a collection of the most important trails of the whole Peninsula. Thousands of kilometers of roads little known, but used for centuries before the advent of modern means of transport. A real map that will allow us to plan intense trips to the heart of the boot, obviously to be covered on foot just like in the past. From the Via Francigena beaten by the faithful when they wanted to go to Rome, up to some sections of the historian Grand Tour, which for centuries has witnessed the passage of the most important characters in world history. Then there is the Dante's Way which crosses all the most famous centers where the poet lived or the Path of Peace, which retraces places and memories of the Great War. For now, there are 44 trails, but more will be added in the coming months, with the aim of covering the whole country.
The year of the Italian journeys
2016 was, for the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities Dario Franceschini, the year of the Italian journeys. This prompted the MiBACT to identify and enhance all the most iconic paths of the beautiful country. In short, the famous network of historical, scenic, religious and cultural roads that have made Italy a symbol of pilgrimage. But how many noteworthy paths are there? We talk about beyond six thousand kilometers of roads which wind from north to south, including the islands. Many of these have been lost over time, replaced by more comfortable and modern routes, while others still retain their fame as the Via Appia. However, now, thanks to the work carried out by the Ministry, the regions, the ANCI and various local authorities, it will be possible to get to know them all and relive the sensations experienced by the pilgrims of the past.
