Roberto Balzani’s latest work, entitled ‘Going to the places of the Risorgimento’ ( Il Mulino editions). The author from Forlì, who is also full professor of contemporary history at the Department of History, Culture, Civilization of the University of Bologna, will present it tomorrow at 9pm at the Ala d’Oro hotel, as part of the Caffè Letterario di Lugo, in an evening introduced by Paolo Cavassini. It will be repeated on Monday 22 April at 6pm, at the Feltrinelli in Ravenna.
Balzani, what is the basic idea of this new work?
“Taking inspiration from the Grand Tour of Italy which began already in the seventeenth century, I thought of a national tour of the places and cities of art that contributed to giving life to the unification of Italy. All this because I aware that, unlike the territories that dedicate many events in memory of stories and traditions, the Italian State has been less attentive and it is right to strengthen the two levels”.
Is yours therefore a different perspective on the Risorgimento?
“My attempt was to start, rather than from the rhetoric of the Risorgimento as we generally tend to do, from the concreteness of the places that were its theatre. In fact, it is not enough that these are remembered and visited by schools, within the context of that which is defined as celebratory tourism, all Italians should re-appropriate it. My book aims to be an incentive to visit for the general public”.
Why is it important to know the places of this important historical period?
“Today, restoring a mature look at the many theaters of the Risorgimento can offer not only surprising discoveries, but also touching and evocative moments. Often these places coincide with spectacular natural environments.”
Can you give some examples?
“Among the best known, there are certainly cities such as Pisa, Siena, Palermo, Marsala and also the island of Caprera. Easy and accredited places. Others, however, are a little more hidden and therefore to be rediscovered such as Garibaldi’s hut where Garibaldi took refuge in 1849 and the house where Anita died in Mandriole. Those places that have always been dear and familiar to us Romagna are a surprise for Italians who live elsewhere”.
Is there a place that you are particularly fond of?
“There really isn’t one in particular. I’ve visited them all at different times in my life, some of which I’ve even returned to several times. Each of them is evocative of something. I really enjoyed recently involving my 26-year-old son years old, who is doing his PhD. It wasn’t easy to convince him but in the end he was impressed.”
Can we say that this book of yours is designed for young people?
“Yes. Mine is not a nostalgic look but one of re-appropriation of places in our history to bring the new generations closer. The figures of Garibaldi and Vittorie Emanuele must not be seen as ‘archaeology’. I used the expedient of the landscape to turn the time machine back on. From the feedback I had among my students, it seems to have worked.”
Are you already working on a new book?
“Yes, it is a reflection on the historical method not based on traditional sources but on the way in which history is transmitted today also through social media.”
Roberta Bezzi
Tags: Ill places Risorgimento
