Why is There a Scottish Village in Italy?

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Why is There a Scottish Village in Italy? Tucked away in the Italian Alps, amongst the picturesque landscapes and charming Italian villages, lies a place that might surprise you with its distinct Scottish flair. Welcome to Gurro, a unique blend of Italian and Scottish heritage that stands as a testament to its unusual history.

The legend of Gurro’s Scottish origins dates back to around 500 years ago. The story goes that a group of Scottish soldiers, who were part of the French army during the Franco-Italian wars, lost their way and ended up in this remote corner of the Italian Alps. The soldiers, unable to return home, decided to settle in Gurro and over time, their Scottish culture seeped into the local Italian customs.

The inhabitants of Gurro take immense pride in their dual heritage. They have embraced their Scottish roots with remarkable spirit and celebrate it in an array of ways, from clothing and language to the local pub culture.

Walking through the streets of Gurro, you’ll notice the distinctive tartan patterns adorning the villagers’ clothes. The traditional Scottish dress has found its way into the wardrobes of the locals who sport kilts and tartan scarves with an Italian flair. The village even has its own unique tartan design, registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority.

The Scottish influence extends beyond just clothing. You’ll hear the locals mixing in Scottish phrases with their Italian dialect. The Gurro dialect, known as ‘Gurro Scotto-Italian’, is a fascinating blend of Italian peppered with Scottish words. Hearing an occasional ‘Ay’ or ‘Wee’ in conversations is not uncommon.

And what’s a Scottish village without a traditional pub? Gurro’s local bar, “The Lost Legion”, is a nod to the village’s Scottish ancestry. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a pint of beer while soaking in the unique atmosphere that blends Italian warmth with Scottish conviviality.

But the Scottish influence in Gurro is more than just about tartan, dialect and pubs. It’s about a sense of identity that has been passed down through generations. The village has a small museum dedicated to its Scottish heritage, showcasing a variety of artefacts, from traditional Scottish weapons to documents tracing the village’s unique history.

The annual “Festival of the Scottish” is the pinnacle of Gurro’s Scottish celebrations. The festival, held in July, brings the village to life with traditional Scottish music, dance and of course, bagpipes. It’s a spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide, keen to experience this unusual blend of Italian and Scottish culture.

Despite its remote location, Gurro has attracted international attention due to its intriguing Scottish connections. In 2009, the village was officially twinned with the town of Huntly, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, further strengthening Gurro’s ties with Scotland.

Gurro is a delightful anomaly in the Italian Alps. It’s not just about the picturesque views, the traditional architecture, or the delicious Italian cuisine. It’s about the people who have embraced their unique history and continue to celebrate it with enthusiasm.

Visiting Gurro is like stepping into a different world, a world where Scottish and Italian cultures blend seamlessly. It’s a village that welcomes visitors with open arms and enthralls them with its unique charm. So next time you plan a trip to the Italian Alps, make sure to take a detour to Gurro. It is a journey into Italy‘s Scottish heart, a journey you’ll remember for a lifetime.

In Gurro, you don’t just find an Italian village in the Alps. You find a piece of Scotland, filled with tartan, bagpipes and a dialect that tells the story of a group of soldiers who found a home far from their own. In Gurro, you find a village that is as Italian as it is Scottish and that’s what makes it truly special.

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