Bolshevism and Religion in Italian Travelogues about Soviet Russia from the 1920s and 1930s

This article analyses religious themes and motifs in travelogues by Italian authors who visited the USSR between 1920s 1930s. Their writings deal with religion from two different points of view: first, use images allusions to Bible other Christian texts as a common cultural code, which helps them comprehend various phenomena Soviet reality; second, they explore ways is present society, was (as saw it) simultaneously strictly atheistic permeated spirit. The analysis these aspects allows author point out some important features reception Union study influence fascist propaganda European “Russian myth” on image Italy. can help us understand mechanisms underlying formation “other” intercultural contacts Russia West. research based studying writers Curzio Malaparte, Vincenzo Cardarelli, Corrado Alvaro, 1930s when political, economic, countries were expanding rapidly after Civil War. Among testimonies “guests” Union, created prose poets are particular interest an example how reality transformed literary imagination. These sources mostly unknown have not attracted attention researchers. However, been studied abroad 1980s several articles monographs dealing Western culture; recent years witnessed publication works especially dedicated travelling Union. non-Russian researchers regard historical without considering their structure: “philological” approach crucial for adequate understanding such complex both fictional documentary sources. In long run, results this may contribute development new efficient strategies communication modern world.