“Country Stories” is a project created by Italiani.it Foundation to tell, in an innovative and interactive way, Conflenti, a town in the province of Catanzaro. Developed in collaboration with the municipal administration, it was created to promote the territory and spread the culture of hospitality. This occurs through the valorization of the historical-cultural heritage, memory and popular traditions which, through the use of innovative technologies and signage, can be enjoyed by emigrants, residents and tourists.
Promote identity culture and slow tourism
The aim of "Country Stories" is to promote a culture of identity, based on history and traditions. This is in order to build a new dynamic and future-oriented perspective, capable of promoting slow, conscious and sustainable tourism. A tourism based on an experiential philosophy in which knowledge of the territory occurs through the interaction between visitors and inhabitants and through the discovery of the culture, traditions, habits and customs that distinguish the community.
A virtual guide to get to know the village
“Country Stories” wants to offer anyone the opportunity to enjoy the cultural, artistic and memorial heritage of the place. The QR Code path represents a sort of virtual guide. Thanks to it, visitors will be accompanied to discover the village and, directly from their smartphone, will be able to access all the information requested, in a simple and intuitive way.
“Country Stories”, a bridge between past and future
For residents, the route allows the rediscovery of historical memory. By means of QR Code technology, they can "reclaim" their past, strengthen the bond with their roots and consolidate the sense of belonging to the place. Furthermore, the creation of a reference web page allows you to strengthen the bond with Conflente people who have emigrated around the world, who by connecting will be able to access the contents in real time.
Thematic and service areas for a safe and pleasant stay
The creators of "Stories of the Country" decided to offer visitors information by identifying some thematic areas or routes, and three service areas. One is dedicated to tourist accommodation, the others respectively to scheduled events and the Civil Protection Plan. They will help make your stay more pleasant and safe.
The “Country Stories” in the poems of Vittorio Butera
There are five thematic areas: Religion (Conflenti is the "village of Mary", due to the devotion to the "Madonna della Quercia", who is venerated here); Culture (Conflenti has a capital of knowledge and there are many illustrious people who have made its history. Among these, the famous poet Vittorio Butera); Historical memory and curiosity (in the village you can admire the characteristic “wrinkles” and farmhouses). They follow: Nature (the town is surrounded by a vast natural heritage where you can go on excursions and go trekking); And ConTrade (Conflenti beyond the village).
Walking along the streets and alleys of Conflenti, your gaze rests on the poems of the famous poet Vittorio Butera, who was born here on 23 December 1877. His best-known verses, all in Calabrian dialect, can be read by following the poetic path along the streets of the historic centre. The poems are shown on the posters created for this purpose. Using the QR Code it is possible to listen to a voice declaiming them.
Even the ancient names of the "rughe" and the districts, now recovered, appear on special plaques affixed along the streets of the centre. Conflenti is truly a beautiful village in Calabria, which offers characteristic views. Here the past mixes with the present enriching it with knowledge. Here there is a strong sense of belonging among the residents and among those who, despite having emigrated abroad, return periodically.
(Photo: Antonietta Malito)