Vie Francigene for All?

Abstract

In 1986 a law was introduced which obligated Italian municipalities and provinces to adopt Plans to Remove Architectural Barriers (Peba), an obligation extended to private entities with the 1989 law. Within thirty-three years the problem returned, especially for cultural heritage, which was ever more linked to touristic practices. This involves a lack of intervention which limits or impedes 60 million European citizens from visiting them, and over 300 million potential international tourists with specific needs (Eurostat, 2015, 2018). This paper proposes a reflection on the cultural changes needed to really make the artistic and landscape heritage of our country “for everyone”. The in-depth analysis will begin by looking at the Italian legal framework, among the most advanced in Europe, and that of incentivising to then evolve into an initial gathering of good practices in Europe. Reoccurring examples supply an introductory document to consult and an updated archive of suggestions to reduce limitations for those who want to access routes and structures, startin with the Via Francigena (EAVF, 2018). The aim is to show how this religious-cultural route can be an example of tourism for all, similar to the French route to Santiago de Compostela, where, every year, just over 300,000 pilgrims arrive on foot, as well as 2.5 million religious tourists (Gonzales et alii, 2014). The analysis is directed towards the evaluation of physical and cultural barriers, to understand if lasting solutions for all are just advantageous for those with specific, permanent or temporary needs, or for the whole community. There are plenty of examples of the latter: the remote control, made to help those who are bedridden became a day-to-day object. Just like voice-activated phones, initially thought of for blind people, are now used by most people as a form of hands-free technology! The aim is to plan and create a sustainable and resilient society for everyone.