What do two countries like Italy and Spain have in common? Certainly, friendly and welcoming manners, a similar gastronomic culture, a historical, artistic, and cultural heritage that sees them compete in a healthy and fun way, and a cheerful and festive spirit.
It is precisely this bond, consolidated over centuries, that has led Turiart Tours, a company specializing in cultural tourism for over twenty years, to plan and launch projects that directly involve both countries in mutual exchanges of touristic, cultural, and musical experiences.
A historical and cultural connection that links the region of Valencia with Italy is undoubtedly related to the various events involving the Borgia dynasty. Since 2018, the region of Valencia, through the CreaTurisme tourism promotion program, has started to promote the Borgia Territory (two Popes and a Valencian Saint), highlighting emblematic locations and Spanish cities that hosted illustrious members of the Borgia family. Among these, Valencia, Gandia, Xàtiva, and Llombai are particularly noteworthy. From ducal palaces to majestic churches, castles, and evocative monasteries, the Borgia heritage in the region of Valencia holds great charm and prestige.
In Italy, too, the Borgias left a tangible mark of their influential presence, from Rome to Ferrara, where Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI, held the title of Duchess after her marriage to Alfonso I d'Este, and reaching cities like Bologna, Pesaro, Naples, and Bisceglie. Numerous palaces, churches, dances, books, artworks, and female figures tell the story of this influential family, which over the years wove its legacy between Spain and Italy.
In a meticulous work of reconstruction and evocation, Turiart, with the support of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, has been retracing places and territories, creating exchanges, connections, and bonds that have united the two countries for centuries.
However, the commonalities with Spain are not limited to the historical-cultural sphere. Turiart Tours has also promoted several musical twinnings, which have involved choir directors, orchestras, musicians, conservatory students, music teachers, and more. These exchange experiences have engaged various organizations across Italy, which in turn have had the opportunity to meet and connect with similar entities in Spain, specifically in the city of Valencia and its region, where Turiart has been operating and working for many years.
The region of Valencia, in fact, shares a historic musical culture with Italy, with cities like Valencia, Lliria, Cullera, Sagunto, and Buñol boasting musical talents of national and international relevance. It was precisely the city of Lliria, with its 23,000 inhabitants, that received UNESCO's City of Music recognition in 2019.
Music is undoubtedly a common thread and a universal language capable of uniting people and cultures across the world.
Turiart Tours will be present at the Music Tourism Festival, which will take place from October 15 to 20 in Pesaro, this year’s Italian Capital of Culture, in a panel dedicated to the world of music and musicians who, through their musical journeys, explore new places, experiment with new techniques, and reach new audiences. Participation in the panel is completely free and will be held online. The appointment is on Tuesday, October 15 at 3:30 pm.
For more information and registration:
