Promotion of Destinations of Excellence: Reevaluation of a Medieval Tourist Route - Guidone’s Itinerary (1119 a.d.)

Résumé 0

In 1119 Guidone, a monk, geographer, and cosmographer, described in “Geographica” a medieval route that crossed over parts of Apulia and Basilicata (Italy). He travelled along tracks and minor roads to visit major ecclesiastical centres, medieval rock churches, archaeological sites and rural sceneries such as: the Sassi of Matera, the Abbazia of Montescaglioso and the ruins of Grumentum. The revitalization of Guidone’s itinerary goes beyond the identification of a significant tourist route: the direct involvement of local communities makes it possible to enhance the territory’s identity, traditions, handicrafts and oenogastronomy. Enhancing a medieval itinerary is positive for a cultural, economic and social development, and at the same time offers and promotes quality tourism capable of revitalizing the territory’s heritage (historical centres, monuments, etc). This route has two points of excellence: - historical value of the itinerary; - rich valuable heritage: crypts and grottoes symbolize the presence of large archaic communities.