The rediscovery of small villages, slow experiential tourism and fleeing the cities not just for holidays
It has been since March 2020 that we are no longer the same, not just in Italy but, to a more or less similar extent, worldwide. No one can say they were not affected by the health emergency. It has entered our lives, changing them irreparably. No one can avoid dealing with Covid, neither from a health point of view nor from that of social consequences.
So, given the distancing rules and the doctors’ recommendations on the subject, it has been almost worrying to attend crowded places for a couple of years now.
Suddenly, the pleasant serenity of a walk in a village, the joyful composure of a forest in the hills, the tranquil silence of a rural environment have become even more attractive. This is why slow tourism has been rediscovered, which is, moreover, certainly not a novelty.
Slow tourism towards Sabina
Slow, experiential tourism is what moves away from the guidelines of mass tourism, which causes resource consumption and cultural impoverishment. It is tourism that also enjoys the trip in itself, which makes slowness its style, which offers a knowledge of the local reality, unfiltered by trendy clubs. A type of tourism whereby visitors almost seem to tiptoe into their destination, so as not to alternate the natural features, in mutual and all-encompassing respect.
The above description seems to spontaneously lead one to think of Cicignano, Cittaducale and Antrodoco, the Sabine villages that are treasures of art and history, surrounded by lush and authentic nature.
A form of tourism that is well expressed by religious tourism, which the Sabina area offers numerous points of interest. One need look no further than the Santa Reatina Valley, discovering the four shrines, that of Poggio Bustone, Fonte Colombo, Santa Maria alla Foresta and Greccio, all linked to the life of St. Francis. Paths to be undertaken preferably on foot. What is more refreshing, in spirit and body, than a very long walk?
Incredibly, there is no queue at the Villa di Orazio in Licenza ticket office, or in front of the Cristo Triumphans della Collegiata dell’Annunziata di Collevecchio. These two masterpieces, which are probably victims of poor communication by the bodies responsible for their promotion, are from different eras yet very far from ours, hardly known and therefore to be taken advantage of in all their glory.
If you are interested in these lesser-known destinations, but of great impact for every art lover, don’t hesitate to contact us, we will provide you with all the information you will need.
Not just tourism, in less temporary life choices
Lockdown periods, quarantines and red zones have favoured even more definitive and demanding choices than those regarding the destination of the seasonal holidays. Thanks to the Italian discovery of smart working, it was no longer always necessary to go to Rome or to the other large cities to work. Workers could connect with the office even remotely.
It is not only the commuters who have stopped travelling. Numerous citizens have also thought of settling in more liveable, human-scale places, where a good Internet connection was capable of counterbalancing towards a more human dimension of life.
And this not only benefits the socio-economic fabric of the jobs that welcome smart workers, but also those that are left unattended. A city like Rome, usually afflicted by city traffic, would become less unliveable and with more and better services for those who remain. A city that offers a better quality of life.
Romans know Sabina well. It has always been the site for their Sunday strolls. We also hope, however, to provide more widespread knowledge of our fantastic territory to many non-Italians, so that they can all can consider the area as one of the palpable destinations for their holidays, discovering unique and traditional flavours, artistic masterpieces and an authentic and sweet tourist experience.
