The Holy Land: Journey to the Roots, 1870–1939
摘要
This chapter explores the development of Italian pilgrimages to the Holy Land from the late 19th to the early twentieth century, focusing on the transformation from religious devotion to a form of religious tourism. Initially limited to elites, pilgrimages gradually became more democratic, aligning with broader social changes. The chapter examines the role of organizations like the Comitato Nazionale Italiano pro Palestina e Lourdes (CNIPL) in formalizing and expanding pilgrimage practices. It also discusses the logistical challenges, including travel by steamship and the integration of modern tourism elements. The involvement of religious and lay leaders highlights the spiritual and organizational dimensions of these journeys. Through archival research and firsthand accounts, the chapter sheds light on how these pilgrimages not only shaped religious practice but also reflected evolving Italian Catholic identity, balancing spirituality with cultural and social engagement in the context of a changing Europe.