Abstract

Italy is not only a land of cities of art but also of small, mainly isolated and perched centers scattered over a vast territory. The most original character of these centers is the historical stratification that has its roots in ancient times, since the Neolithic age. In addition to the cultural interest, these centers preserve ancient testimonies such as the Roman water collection and distribution systems. At the same time the «borghi» preserve knowledge, dialects, popular cultures, forms of preparation and preservation of food. In the «borghi», you can find rhythms of daily life and human relationships of particular quality. However, the attractiveness of these centers cannot be limited to tourism alone. The abandonment and decline to which they are subject is largely due to the crisis of the peasant economy. The new migratory processes could contribute to their repopulation and rebirth.