Looking at this photo, you might think you’ve stepped onto the set of a cowboy movie: halted trains, men in wide-brimmed hats, and that unmistakable “gold rush” atmosphere. But forget high-speed train robberies or outlaw shootouts! Here, the treasure wasn’t gold nuggets or cash-filled crates… but sheep!
In the 1950s and ’60s, after centuries of traveling on foot, Italian shepherds began using trains to move their flocks from Abruzzo to Puglia. It was a turning point that blended modernity with tradition, proving how transhumance has always found ways to evolve while staying true to its roots.
In our documentary Le vie della lana, we delve into these extraordinary journeys—stories of hard labor, family struggles, and a deep love for an ancient and noble profession.
A special thanks to Edmondo Di Loreto for sharing this incredible photo from his extensive archive on transhumance. As one of the custodians of this fascinating history, he is also one of the protagonists of our film.
This is just a small taste of Italy’s own Wild West, a world that dates back over 500 years. If you’re curious to learn more, stay tuned…