La transumanza - a walking holiday with sheep!

 La "transumanza" from the Latin words "tras" (through) and "humus" (land or soil) is an ancient practice and it is interesting to point out that the same word, or almost, is used in several European languages: "transhumance"(in English), "trashumancia" (in Spanish), "transhumance" (in French) and so on. Shepperds had special rights granted by the authorities to get their sheep through cities and on main roads and some of these crossings are still practiced, more as a ceremony than anything else. I think that one of the best known in Europe is when shepperds take their sheep up to the very centre of Madrid through the old "camino real" or Royal Road. I am sure that there will be some similar old ceremony in Italy, but I do not know where. As people become more interested in old customs and traditions y think that it is an excellent opportunity for some special interest tours. Very good article, Anne. Thanks

Could be a winner with the Welsh

Would you have to bring your own wellies?

Ascoli Piceno obtained a good deal of her wealth in the Middle Ages from these sheep, the wool merchants were the wealthiest guild in town. Just south of town in the mountains of northern Abruzzo you will find Le caciare dotting the higher elevations. These were stone huts built by the shepherds for shelter. This would be an interesting trip but I too see the regions having problems getting this off the ground.