Speaker
Description
The Gargano promontory, located in Puglia, south of Italy, is a distinctive territory, punctuated by an extraordinary concentration of sacred sites that have profoundly shaped its cultural and landscape identity over centuries. Referred to as the "Sacred Mountain," it epitomizes the transformative interaction between cultural heritage and natural landscapes, influencing not only the physical terrain but also social and spiritual dynamics. This research examines the sanctuaries of Gargano—including San Matteo and Santa Maria di Stignano in San Marco in Lamis, San Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Maria di Pulsano in Monte Sant’Angelo, the Holy Trinity in Mattinata, and Santa Maria di Tremiti— as focal nodes in a living cultural landscape.
Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates archival research, historical cartography, and field surveys, this study explores how the sacralization of the Gargano landscape has given rise to forms of lived heritage deeply intertwined with its geographic and historical contexts. The sanctuaries and pilgrimage routes are analyzed as cultural infrastructures that mediate between tradition and innovation, fostering a territorial resilience capable of addressing contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation, the abandonment of local religious practices, and the pressures of overtourism.
Gargano emerges as a living palimpsest a cultural landscape that is not merely a repository of historical memory but an adaptive, evolving space capable of regeneration. This research highlights the risks posed by the loss of authenticity and proposes an integrated valorization strategy that balances contemporary needs with the preservation of these sites' spiritual and cultural essence. By examining the interplay between architectural forms, natural settings, and human narratives, the study identifies operational pathways for the sustainable management of Gargano’s sacred heritage.
Through a comparative analysis of the sanctuaries, the research aims to outline actionable solutions for enhancing conservation, accessibility, and social regeneration. Ultimately, it seeks to safeguard the transformative power of these sacred sites as enduring expressions of a harmonious synthesis between nature and culture, ensuring their relevance and vitality for future generations.
References
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Cavallini, Alberto. Santa Maria di Pulsano: il santo deserto monastico garganico. Foggia: Grenzi, 1999.
Corsi, Pasquale, e Fondazione «Pasquale e Angelo Soccio», a c. di. La via sacra Langobardorum: atti del convegno di studi, Monte Sant’Angelo, 27-28-29 aprile 2007. Atti 2. Foggia: Edizioni del Rosone, 2012.
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Fulloni, Sabina. L’abbazia dimenticata: la Santissima Trinità sul Gargano tra Normanni e Svevi. Biblioteca. Nuovo medioevo 74. Napoli: Liguori Ed, 2006.
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Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Genius Loci Paesaggio Ambiente Architettura. Milano: Mondadori Electa. 1997
Scully, Vincent. The earth, the temple, and the gods: Greek sacred architecture. Rev. ed. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1979.
Trotta, Marco. Il santuario di San Michele sul Gargano dal tardoantico all’altomedioevo. Marenostrum 2. Bari: Mario Adda editore, 2012.
Turri, Eugenio. Il paesaggio come teatro: dal territorio vissuto al territorio rappresentato. Saggi Marsilio. Venezia: Marsilio,1998.
| Keywords | Gargano; cultural landscapes; sanctuaries; Sacred |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
