The Age of Ruinenlust: An Exploration of Tourism and Ruins in the Urban Context, in Rome, during the Grand Tour

The concept of 'Ruinenlust,' or the pleasure derived from ruins, significantly influenced tourism during Rome's Grand Tour era. British and English travelers, inspired by works like Edward Gibbon's 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,' found deep fascination in Rome's ancient ruins, contrasting with more complex geopolitical interests seen in France. This study explores how this cultural phenomenon shaped tourism dynamics, reflecting broader historical and mythological narratives. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing English and Greek perspectives on ancient civilizations, including the fall from heroic ages associated with hubris. It also contextualizes these findings within the framework of the World Heritage Convention (1972), examining the implications for urban heritage and sustainability in Rome.

Boukouras, E. (2023). The Age of Ruinenlust: An Exploration of Tourism and Ruins in the Urban Context, in Rome, during the Grand Tour. sITA, 2023(11). https://doi.org/10.54508/sita.11.05