In Italy, since 1950, rural culture has been completely distorted and country architecture wholly ruined. So-called regional planning is very backward in Italy and is carried out according to requirements of towns. Recalls that old country architecture is documented only by maps, miniatures and paintings. The Borgo Medioevale in Turin and the Pueblo Españl in Barcelona are the first cases in which modern architects were interested in vernacular and rural architecture. In Italy, the recuperation of rural architecture seems very difficult, on account of the state of neglect and deterioration of these buildings. An intelligent but rigorous financial policy could promote serious public as well as private enterprises. -- AATA