Sacred Landscape and Transformations. Exploring Cultural Heritage in Italian Cemeteries Amidst Contemporary Tourism Influences

The chapter explores the immersive sacred landscapes of cemeteries, delving into the multifaceted dimensions of cultural heritage, and contemporary influences shaped by tourism and the evolving socio-cultural landscape. The study examines how these places, traditionally associated with reverence, religiosity, and memorialization, incorporate the interactions arising from contemporary influences, particularly those fuelled by dark and thanatourism. Travelers explore graveyards in search of the artistic, architectural, historical, sounds of silence and scenic richness commonly found in burial sites. Additionally, they seek to uncover the eerie tales surrounding tragic and violent deaths; all share the desire to live an authentic expe- rience. By scrutinizing the dynamic relationship between the sacred and the culture, the study sheds light on the ways in which cemeteries and tombs negotiate their roles in therapeutic landscape construction. Particularly, the research following a biblio- graphic review on the subject scrutinizes the case study of the Brunico war cemetery (Italy). The survey also includes site visit and interviews with tourists. Analysis of data is carried out to highlight to the narratives, and cultural and tourist attractions for the enhancement and cultural awareness of these places. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between sacred spaces as well as cemeteries and tourism, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by these landscapes in a rapidly changing world, which are being characterized by a progressive relevance of new leisure services.