For thousands of years, mobile pastoralist communities have shaped landscapes, culture, and spirituality worldwide. In Italy, transhumance exemplifies the deep interaction between people and nature, influencing cultural diversity and spiritual practices. Father Mario Villani, during our interview, highlights the historical and cultural significance of transhumance in Europe.
Walking hundreds of miles with their herds in search of food and water, mobile pastoralist communities have shaped not only the landscapes but also culture and spirituality all over the world for thousands of years. Transhumance in Italy is not an exception to this. It is a wonderful example of people and nature interaction that can be traced through their great impact on the cultural diversity and spirituality in Italy.
Based on the understanding that their survival and that of their future generations depends on nature, their knowledge, emerging from their accumulated experiences of thousands of years, holds wisdom respecting the constant interaction of nature and culture. In its many different forms all over the world, mobile pastoralism has much to offer for conserving both nature and cultural diversity.
During our interview with Father Mario Villani, he talked about the history of transhumance and tratturi (drovers’ roads) in Italy, the relationship between transhumance and culture & spirituality, perception of transhumants of the environment they live in. He also emphasized the need to acknowledge the importance of transhumance in Europe and beyond.
You can watch our interview with Father Mario Villani, in charge of P. Antonio Fania Library of the Convent of St Matthew in San Marco in Lamis, Italy here.
On this page