Abruzzo and its mountains were virtually unknown as a tourist destination until the early part of last century, when they began to be discovered thanks to the Italian Touring Club (TCI). An exhibition at L'Aquila, entitled Italiani Viaggiatori alla Scoperta dell'Abruzzo (Italian Travellers Discover Abruzzo) sets out to illustrate the important role played by the TCI, which has just celebrated its 120th anniversary.
The exhibition, organized by the Pescara branch of the TCI, contains a collection of rare documents, photographs and travellers' tales of a century ago when foreigners, such as the British writer Ann Macdonell and German naturalist Alfred Steinitzer,were just beginning to explore the territory and discover its beauties.
A special tribute is paid to TCI founder Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli, author of the famous Red Guides, first published in 1914 and recognized by the Italian Ministry of Heritage as the most comprehensive guide to Italy's artistic and historic treasures. Bertarelli documented a trip to Abruzzo in 1907, when he remained fascinated by the life of the shepherd community and the custom of the transhumance. Realising that this way of life would eventually come to an end, he suggested that the vast sheep tracks be converted into a network of tourist routes for walkers and cyclists, something that the Abruzzo region would like, in fact, to recreate today. Also of interest are a collection of articles published in the monthly magazine Le Vie d'Italia (Italy's Ways), where Abruzzo began to feature prominently from 1910 onwards.
Italiani Viaggiatori alla Scoperta dell'Abruzzo runs until the 31st January 2015 in the L'Aquila State Archives, housed in the Bazzano-L'Aquila Industrial Park since the 2009 earthquake destroyed its historic seat.
Open: Wed., Thurs: 8.30-5. Mon, Tues, Fri. mornings only.
Info: www.jemonnanzi.it