eng: This paper deals with Austrian prose texts which have been published in the past three decades. I have concentrated on longer prose writings, whereas I have chosen only a few exemplary shorter texts. These texts have been listed chronologically and classified according to the following aspects: constellation of characters - Italian settings and landscapes - valuation of Italian culture and politics (if mentioned at all) - various other topics. The authors have dealt with Trieste (H. Spiel, H. Eisendle, E. Hauer, A. Zellinger), Venice (P. Rosei, G. Roth, K. Schand, G. Barylli), Bassano (W. Thoeny), Tuscany (W. Kappacher), Umbria (F. Innerhofer), Campagna (I. Bachmann, R. Bayr), Rome (I. Bachmann, K. Klinger, H. Janisch, J. Winkler), Pompeii (K. Klinger) und Sicily (K. Klinger, W. Hermann). A great many of the texts show a wintry Italy in which the cold climate corresponds with the characters' psyche. Death often accompanies those people. In many cases Italy is regarded as a shelter. The 'runaways' seem to expect more tolerance, a different life style - even better life - in the south. However, this longing is rarely fulfilled because they cannot hide from themselves.
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