Skien has been given a prominent place in the international literary network Parchi Letterari, an initiative that brings together literary places from all over the world. Skien is the birthplace of Henrik Ibsen, who over the years wrote several of his major works in Italy. The network includes places that have played a central role in the lives and careers of the authors, and provides a common space for the exchange of ideas, cultural projects and opportunities for collaboration.
The literary parks are intended, by conveying knowledge about the environment, history and traditions of the place in question, to give the city's residents and visitors an experience of what may have inspired the author. For example, the mines at Fossum inspired Ibsen to write The Miner, or The Dark Loft at Henrik Ibsen's Museum inspired The Wild Duck. Literature can give us keys to interpreting and understanding the history and cultural heritage of the place, and as readers we can experience the places with new eyes. In other words, the authors give the reader an interpretation key that stimulates them to visit new places and to see familiar places with new eyes. Places, previously valued for their magnificent nature, are brought to life through the authors' characters and their lives there. The literary parks can also function as concrete witnesses to the natural, historical and cultural values of a local community.
Parchi Letterari was founded to strengthen the ties between cities and places that share a literary heritage. The aim is to build a global network that highlights the importance of literature for both local and international culture. By linking these places together, the network not only promotes cultural exchange, but also sustainable projects that can ensure that literary traditions are preserved and further developed. Parchi Letterari is a network of 80 places, which includes six national parks, six regional parks, a number of oases and reserves. Places that are the setting or inspiration for novels, short stories and poems, which in themselves become a source of knowledge about the same landscapes and environments, and the natural, historical and cultural values of local communities: a tangible and intangible cultural heritage that should be protected, preserved and revitalized.
Skien became a member of i Parchi Letterari in 2022 and is one of the newest members of the network. The network has the most Italian members and in Norway, in addition to Skien, Lillehammer with Sigrid Undset, Johan Falkberget on Røros and Pietro Querini on Røst are also part of this exciting project. Ibsen, Undset and Falkberget are well known among Norwegians, but Pietro Querini may not be everyone's business. Querini was a Venetian nobleman who was stranded on Røst in the 15th century. His experiences on Røst are well documented and have become part of the island's rich cultural heritage.
Parchi Letterari serves as a platform to share experiences, develop new projects and promote their literary traditions on a global scale. In addition to strengthening local cultural initiatives, the network provides opportunities for mutual learning and partnerships with other literary places in Europe and the world.
Notice on Skien municipality's website:
https://www.skien.kommune.no/kultur-idrett-og-frivillighet/kultur/henrik-ibsen/parchi-letterari-henrik-ibsen
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