In this era of globalization there is a part of our region which is fast ageing and dying. Many small municipalities are on the brink of extinction: Opi (500 residents), Carapelle Calvisio (116), Santo Stefano di Sessanio (136), Montelapiano (139), Montebello sul Sangro (140), Pietraferrazzana (155), San Benedetto in Perillis (156), Calascio (201). 60,7 % of the municipalities are at risk, schools and post offices are being closed.

The latest issue of "Abruzzo Naif", quarterly review on the nature, art, folklore of Abruzso is on the cathedral of Guardiagrele: 50 pages for one of the most comprehensive studies of the subject, texts by Elsa Flacco and Lucio Taraborrelli.

In the Scuderie papali of the Quirinale, Rome, until 3 december (opening hours: 10-20) on exhibition 92 pergamon drawings by Sandro Botticelli: drawings in different inks, to illustrate 90 cantos of the Divine Comedy, and never before collected together. On show also other 100 works of the Florentine Renaissance.