I borghi dell'artigianato: turismo di prossimità in Toscana

Artex– Centro per l'Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana, founded in 1987 by CNA and Confartigianato, has launched 'I borghi dell'artigianato' on the platform www.toscana.artour.it. The project promotes proximity tourism in Tuscany through itineraries highlighting craftsmanship, architecture, and art in lesser-known villages. Six itineraries are already online, with more to come by year-end. Each route features artisan workshops, detailing their history and specializations, such as stone working in Pietrasanta, alabaster in Volterra, wood carving in Anghiari, and tufa crafting in Sorano and Sovana. The initiative responds to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on tourism, encouraging slow travel and support for local economies. Artex president Giovanni Lamioni noted the pandemic has shifted people's mindset toward seeking alternative, less crowded destinations, presenting an opportunity to promote slow tourism and traditional crafts. Regional councilor for productive activities and tourism Stefano Ciuoffo emphasized that the summer of COVID-19 is about rediscovering local territories, where authentic experiences are found close to home, represented by high-level artistic craftsmanship known beyond borders. The project also ties into other Tuscan cultural initiatives, such as Massimo Uberti's installation for Hypermaremma festival at Lake Burano WWF oasis in Capalbio, and the Scopri Sansepolcro diffused museum project in Piero della Francesca's birthplace.