Venice, a city renowned for its beauty and history, recently hosted the significant event "Venezia Crocevia di Itinerari Culturali" at Palazzo Ferro-Fini. This gathering brought together various inspiring cultural routes, including "Iter Vitis," which celebrates Europe's wine heritage, and "Destination Napoleon," which traces historical footprints of the Napoleonic era.
The event also highlighted "Via Querinissima," a route based on Pietro Querini's 15th-century historical journey, connecting Northern and Southern Europe through shared heritage and intercultural dialogue. Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council, emphasized Venice's role as a symbol of travel and fragility, proposing it as a model for sustainable tourism. He also introduced three artisanal volumes dedicated to these routes: "Il Baccalà Sublime" for Via Querinissima, "Il Pollo alla Marengo" for Destination Napoleon, and "La Malvasia" for Iter Vitis.
These books not only celebrate culinary traditions but also underscore the rich regional narratives that can be brought to life through entrepreneurship and creativity. Initiatives like these are crucial in addressing the "overtourism" challenges faced by Venice. Overtourism, characterized by excessive visitor numbers, has led to extreme congestion, environmental degradation, and the erosion of the city's authentic essence.
By promoting more conscious and sustainable tourism, these cultural routes offer a way to experience Venice more deeply, appreciate local craftsmanship, and support communities. "Iter Vitis," for instance, focuses on preserving the landscapes and traditions associated with viticulture, an integral part of European identity. "Destination Napoleon," certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2015, encompasses approximately 50 cities across more than 10 countries, highlighting the Napoleonic heritage that has shaped contemporary Europe and encouraging a multi-perspective understanding of historical events and their continental impact.
The meeting underscored how the integration of work, spirit, and culture can transform businesses into compelling regional narratives. Ciambetti noted that such initiatives create fulfilling employment opportunities rooted in quality and creativity, restoring dignity to local traditions and offering rewarding careers. Venice and the Veneto region continue to demonstrate that travel is not merely about traversing space, but about the growth of the soul and a profound appreciation for cultural heritage.