|
|
 |
| The Ancient Boundaries of Mountain of Pistoia |
| |
The mountains, as natural obstacles, are
often considered borders destined to separate opposing sides. However, border
areas can not be thought of solely as dividing elements: they must be considered
for their most important characteristics, and seen as "centres in evolution
and expansion, small worlds with their own value and able to attract and
bond closely men and places" (Febvre).
 Among
the elements that distinguish border areas, especially in the mountain,
were the roads that lead to the mountain passes, the shelters for travelers
(churches, hospices and inns), the border stations or other military or
commercial control structures.
The mountain area was, not only in the past, marked by defined settlements
(castles or villages), by extensive woodland, by pasture land, streams dotted
with factories and thick network of footpaths. The mountain, which dominated
and continues to dominate over all this, is a natural and breachable boundary
- depending on the seasons.
The evidence of the material culture, traditions and folk tales, and even
the relations of governing officers, tell us of a difficult world with meagre
resources.
 The beautiful
historical maps, almost like old "photographs" from the past,
show us the mountain landscape as it was, until it's transformations of
the modern age.
Taking inspiration from this rich documentary asset, the project "The
ancient boundaries of the Mountainof Pistoia" acts as a meeting point
for historical research and the modern needs for tourism (culture and sport),
as well as education, hoping to conserve the original characteristics of
the territory and an awareness of ecology.
|
| |
|
 |
