Why Is There a Scottish Village in Italy? (Video)
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Italian Alps lies Gurro, a village with a surprising heritage. Legend has it that Gurro is populated by the descendants of Scottish soldiers who sought refuge after the Battle of Pavia on February 24, 1525. Fleeing the chaos of battle, these soldiers braved severe blizzards in their journey, ultimately finding sanctuary in the picturesque valley where Gurro now stands. Forced to abandon their travels due to the harsh conditions, many chose to make this remote corner of Italy their permanent home.
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Proud of their Scottish heritage, the residents of Gurro maintain strong ties to their ancestral roots. It is said that many of them bear surnames that are Italian translations of Scottish names, serving as a poignant reminder of their forebears' journey across distant lands. The village itself boasts a Scottish museum, a reflection of the enduring bond between Gurro and its Scottish past.
Today, Gurro stands as a living reminder of the resilience and tenacity of its Scottish ancestors. Visitors to the village are greeted by a warm embrace of Scottish hospitality, with tartan-clad locals eager to share their unique heritage with the world. And as the echoes of Scottish bagpipes mingle with the crisp mountain air, Gurro serves as a living reminder of the enduring bond between two distant lands.
Top image: View of the town of Gurro, Italy. Source: Alessandro Vecchi/CC BY-SA 3.0
