New scenarios for Italy’s historic villages: from regeneration to digitalisation without the excesses of the tourism

Italy's historic villages constitute a unique reality for their cultural, historical-architectural and traditional variety and richness. Typically located in unfavourable positions, distant from the major economic poles, marked by a predominantly rural cultural past, these areas find today their strength in the quality of the landscape and in the connection with the territory in which they are located. Historically, the imposition of an "industrial model" has prevailed over a territorial, rural and artisanal dimension, leading to a very rapid economic, social and cultural change, which has collapsed those fixed points of stability in small towns. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to further exacerbating these critical issues, highlighting the diminished possibilities for smart working and online learning due to the poor quality of online connections, and creating more pressure on already struggling basic services, particularly those related to health care. At the same time, however, this emergence has also highlighted the potential and strengths of inland areas and hamlets, which have been chosen in many cases as places of residence over urban areas because of the availability of larger spaces, the greater presence of nature, and the possibility of more sustainable rhythms of life. This opportunity can therefore represent a significant opportunity for revival and enhancement of great cultural and social value, which is now more possible than ever thanks to a range of available tools and funding. In this context, scientific research, policy actors and the communities themselves are trying to create and develop innovative models to improve living and working conditions in these places.