Matera: conference “The Drovers’ Paths of Memory” at Palazzo Lanfranchi

On Saturday 23 May 2026 Palazzo Lanfranchi will host the conference “The Drovers’ Paths of Memory. Transhumance, landscape and food culture”, a meeting that examines the historical and contemporary role of drovers’ paths in shaping landscape, local identities and culinary traditions.

The event proposes a multidisciplinary perspective linking history, anthropology, agriculture and sensory aspects of cuisine, with special emphasis on the Lucanian territory and its place in the Mediterranean.

• Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
• Venue: Conference Hall, National Museum of Matera (Palazzo Lanfranchi)
• Address: Piazzetta Pascoli, 1 – 75100 Matera (MT), Italy
• Coordinator: Marilena Tralli (Matera delegate, Accademia Italiana della Cucina)

Speakers include academics and practitioners who will address historical, agricultural and cultural aspects. Announced participants: Giustino Donofrio, Giuseppe Benelli (University of Genoa), Mimmo Cecere, Mario Viola, Umberto Montano, Maristella Trombetta and Maria Angelastri.

Topics covered

• Landscape and visual memory of Lucania
• Sustainable livestock farming and pastoral practices
• High-quality dairy productions and local supply chains
• Relations between food traditions and territorial identity
• Artistic and philosophical reflections on transhumance

The conference frames transhumance not as a marginal practice but as a form of territorial intelligence that generates knowledge, social rhythms and shared imaginaries, with tangible benefits for food culture and the enhancement of small towns and historic centers.

Visitor note: Palazzo Lanfranchi, home of the National Museum of Matera, is a cultural hub for events focused on landscape memory and the valorisation of the city’s historical heritage.