A town in the mountainous region of Italy
For residents and tourists in Italy, only the sea and mountains have stable geographical constancy. The country's territory is divided by the Alpine mountain range into separate regions. Called the Apennines, the mountains cross the northern part of the peninsula from west to east until turning towards the southern tip of the country, represented by the region of Calabria. Again, but in a reduced form, the mountain range reveals itself in Sicily.
From a scientific point of view, the Italian peninsula would have no chance of existence if, millions of years ago, natural metamorphoses had not raised the Apennines above the sea. The mountains are the basis of the peninsula, occupying about a third of its territory. No less area is accounted for by hills. It is the terrain that is a factor largely determining the climatic features of a particular region.
Cities and fortress walls of Italian cities in mountainous areas (which provided protection to their inhabitants in the past) have largely preserved their historical appearance, as well as cultural and artistic attractions. Hard-to-reach mountain areas have been chosen for living since ancient times, primarily for security reasons, regardless of the detriment to convenience. The ability to work and commute to such places still presents considerable difficulties. To this should be added regular water shortages, the presence of a thin layer of fertile soil, and, as a rule, limited timber resources.
Considerable difficulties of life support in such places contributed to the formation of traditions of family and community cohabitation. The way of life organized in this way made it possible to ensure security and form effective governance.
One of the characteristic traditions of this way of life was the practice of planning marriages. It was common both in peasant communities and in aristocratic families. In the 19th century, family ties played a role in the national movement for the revival of the state, called the 'Risorgimento'.
Addressing the issues of improving living conditions in the country's mountain regions has not lost its relevance today. It was here, in the 20th century, due to lack of work and household difficulties, that trends of declining birth rates and emigration (both to neighboring regions of Italy and to other countries) emerged, leading, as a consequence, to demographic depletion.
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