Manicured landscapes: a video exploration of the Dolomite mountains as memoryscapes

The Dolomites, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, are celebrated for their intrinsic beauty and global appeal. However, a new study challenges the notion that their aesthetic value is purely inherent to nature, arguing instead that it arises from complex human entanglements with the landscape over time. By redefining 'manicured landscapes' through the lens of memoryscape theory and non-representational ideas, researchers reveal how inhabitants—through both harmonious and discordant interactions—shape these iconic mountain parks. This relational perspective shifts the focus from natural beauty alone to the dynamic interplay between people and place, offering a nuanced understanding of heritage landscapes.

Vannini, P., Vannini, A., & Valentin, E. (2018). Manicured landscapes: a video exploration of the Dolomite mountains as memoryscapes. Social & Cultural Geography, 21(1), 114–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2018.1446218