Matera: "The Tracks of Memory" conference at Palazzo Lanfranchi

When: Saturday, 23 May 2026

Where: Conference Hall, National Museum of Matera - Palazzo Lanfranchi

The conference The Tracks of Memory. Transhumance, landscape and food culture offers an interdisciplinary examination of how transhumance and historic droving routes (tratturi) shaped landscapes, local identities and culinary practices. The event frames transhumance as a historical form of territorial intelligence that generates knowledge, social rhythms and shared imaginaries.

Sessions cover historical-anthropological, agricultural and sensory dimensions of pastoral cuisine and local productions, focusing on Lucania and its role within the contemporary Mediterranean context.

• Chair: Marilena Tralli, Matera delegate of the Italian Academy of Cuisine
• Speakers include: Giustino Donofrio, Giuseppe Benelli (University of Genoa), Mimmo Cecere, Mario Viola, Umberto Montano, Maristella Trombetta, Maria Angelastri
• Main topics: landscape and visual memory in Lucania; sustainable livestock farming; artisanal cheese excellence; links between food traditions and territorial identity; artistic and philosophical reflections on transhumance

The conference is part of Matera’s 2026 cultural programming and presents transhumance as a symbol of crossing, exchange and cultural connection. It is organised in collaboration with the Chair of History of Aesthetics at the University of Bari and enjoys the patronage of local cultural institutions.

Visitor note: Palazzo Lanfranchi, home to the National Museum of Matera, continues to host initiatives that connect monument spaces with landscape memory and cultural heritage enhancement.