Castel Volturno. A Paradigmatic Case of Heritage Recuperation and Management in Southern Italy.

"This report aims to present the project of urban, cultural, social and economic rehabilitation for the metropolitan area of Castel Volturno, a territory which has significant landscape value, but actually known for its strong urban degradation and continuous criminal events. The project, based on a deep analysis of historical and geo-referenced survey, has been developed in partnership with the Second University of Naples, local government, entrepreneurs, and community. Castel Volturno is located on the ancient Roman consular road connecting Rome and Naples, along the Domitiana coast, between the Roman city of Puteoli and the ‘Real Ferdinando’ bridge built by the Bourbons on the Garigliano River. This is a vast area of volcanic origin, where sumptuous villas were built for the leisure of the rich Roman patricians. Castel Volturno is the most striking case in Italy for illegal buildings’ construction, urban speculation, social conflicts, corruption and moral degradation. 13 km of protected coastal dunes have been destroyed for the construction of residential housing without any legal authorization. The Bourbon conduct of the Regi Lagni, built for irrigation of the agricultural area, today, because of illegal dumping, is one of the largest open-air dump in the world. The public infrastructures are undersized because planned for 20,000 residents, but the territory also hosts 20,000 illegal immigrants, and 200,000 visitors in the summer period. This area has the highest crime rate in Europe thanks to the presence of numerous criminal clans. Nevertheless, Castel Volturno still retains a great charm."