Ancient Roads, New Potential

Abstract

The chapter offers a reflection on regional development and pilgrimage itineraries. After proceeding with the review of the geographical literature, the analysis will move to the study of the phenomenon on a regional scale with a focus on Apulia and on the current and potential effects of Apulian pilgrimages. In particular, the case study will focus on the “Via Francigena of Capitanata.” The Via Francigena is a historical path that from Canterbury led first to Rome, then to Jerusalem. Traveled in the Middle Ages by pilgrims and crusaders, it crossed the whole of Apulia, starting from the Dauni Mountains. By adopting a geo-economic approach, the chapter intends to analyze the religious and spiritual motivations, political and institutional conditioning, and above all the economic-territorial repercussions of a secular phenomenon but still of great relevance and equally important multiplicative potential.