The requalification of ancient roads for public recreation.

The shape that Man gave to his environment is evidenced by the legacy currently existing in several rural places. In many areas of Europe, the original design inspiration for roads has been unfortunately lost throughout the ages. A key strategy for the sustainable growth of rural tourism may pass through the requalification of some ancient roads. It could include the analysis of the historic route-based itineraries created on time, such those constructed in Europe by the Romans, or later for religious pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. Some of these paths, already existing – like the “Francigena Way” and the "Herculia Way", crossing Southern Italy – currently constitute a collection of arterial roadways, dating back to the Roman Empire. In the present paper, the potential requalification of these ways has been examined. Together with the ancillary minor road network – known as "tratturi" (sheep-tracks), which are partially still in use - their potential structural and functional restoration may be considered, to valorize paths that could be traveled on foot, by bicycle, or by horseback. The preservation and improvement of these important landscape elements, aimed to an enhancement of rural historic heritage and sustainable environmental management, could thus improve the consequent promotion of public recreation.