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“SEGNI DEL PAESAGGIO AGRARIO”: A SCIENTIFIC AND ARTISTIC RESEARCH ON RURAL LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE IN SOUTHERN ITALY
Abstract
The rural landscape of Southern Italy is the result of centuries of interaction between natural resources and human practices. In the areas between Basilicata and Apulia, livestock farming was central from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, shaping a territory organized around transhumance. This seasonal movement of herds across long distances required an articulated system of infrastructures, including tratturi (routes), masserie (farmhouses), and jazzi (sheepfolds). These elements formed a cultural and architectural heritage of great historical value, now largely abandoned. Profound socio-economic changes after WWII led to the decline of traditional economies, causing the disuse of rural structures. As a result, many sites are now ruined but remain largely unaltered, preserving original features that are worth documenting. This heritage demonstrates a sustainable relationship between human activity and the environment, offering lessons relevant to contemporary debates on resource use and cultural preservation. The research combines historical sources with architectural and territorial analysis, supported by digital survey techniques applied to case studies. Since current knowledge is fragmented, the study establishes a general framework method to deal with this issue. Alongside this scientific approach, the author develops an artistic project through engraving, aimed at evoking the sensory and emotional dimension of these landscapes. The dual perspective—analytical and artistic—seeks to highlight the complexity and evocative power of a cultural system at risk of extinction. The ultimate goal is to promote awareness of this heritage among both specialists and the wider public.
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References20
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