Discovering the North: Francesco Negri's and Giuseppe Acerbi's journeys to Norway in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The aim of this article is to present the journeys of two Italian travellers, Francesco Negri and Giuseppe Acerbi, who visited Norway in 1663 and the late 1700s, respectively. Despite being the first Italians to explore Norway, their stories and the Norwegian itinerary remain largely unknown. This article exclusively focuses on analysing their Norwegian itinerary, setting aside the exploration of the rest of Scandinavia, which has been covered by other authors. Their narratives provide valuable insights into the cultural and societal landscape of the North during their time, illuminating a region largely undiscovered by other European travellers. By documenting their experiences and observations, Negri and Acerbi contribute to a broader understanding of Northern Europe, challenging prevailing narratives. Through their travelogues, they offer a unique perspective that enhances our knowledge of the North and its inhabitants before the advent of romanticized depictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]