by EH
Nestled in the remote mountains of northern Italy, the tiny village of Illegio, with a population of just 320, has quietly transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse. Over the past two decades, more than 600,000 visitors have journeyed to this remote corner of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region to see some of Europe’s most celebrated art exhibitions. This remarkable feat is a testament to two driving forces: passion and vision.
The transformation of Illegio has been orchestrated by the San Floriano Committee, a local organization dedicated to hosting world-class exhibitions. On a recent sunny afternoon, the village celebrated the committee’s 20th anniversary with a ceremony that was graced by none other than the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
After attending a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Carnia Free Zone in the nearby town of Ampezzo, President Mattarella made a special visit to Illegio. He was guided through this year’s exhibition, themed around “courage,” by the show’s curator, Don Alessio Geretti. The presence of Italy’s Head of State underscored the profound cultural significance of this small, alpine community.
At the heart of Illegio’s success is its ability to involve the entire community, particularly its youth. Mauro Bordin, President of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia, highlighted this unique aspect during the anniversary celebrations. “The great achievement of those who conceived these exhibitions,” Bordin said, “is their focus on engaging the community, especially young people eager to learn about art history and share it with enthusiasm during guided tours.”
These guided tours, often led by local residents, have become a hallmark of Illegio’s exhibitions, adding a personal touch that draws visitors from across the globe.
Bordin also emphasized that Illegio’s story is a testament to the power of volunteerism. “It shows how volunteerism can breathe life into small places and imagine new futures, even for mountain communities, especially in a time of demographic crisis,” he added.
This crisis, characterized by the depopulation of rural villages across Italy, has spared Illegio, at least for now. Thanks to the San Floriano Committee, the village has found a new purpose: using art to bring people together, fostering community engagement, and placing Illegio on the cultural map of Europe.
The 20-year journey of Illegio was recounted on stage by the current president of the committee, Lara Iob, alongside its founders, Monsignor Angelo Zanello and Don Alessio Geretti. As Iob noted, these two decades are just the beginning. “Even here in Illegio, just like at the Quirinale,” she remarked, referencing Italy’s presidential palace, “it feels only right to accept a second term.”
President Mattarella, in a brief but poignant speech, underscored Illegio’s significance. “The horizon of any community is not defined by its size but by the depth of its vision,” he said. The President praised the villagers for their dedication to this cultural mission, stating, “I am truly impressed by what has been accomplished here over the last twenty years. My thanks go to those who started this journey and to those who are continuing it.”
