Restoration and Arrangement of Archaeological Remains in the Mediterranean: The Protection of the Testimonies Between Past and Contemporary Experiences

In general, the need to provide for the protection of archaeological remains has always been a priority in the work of archaeologists and architects. In the past, the work of Italian archaeologists and architects in the Mediterranean has been remarkable, engaged, even outside the territory of our country, as in the island of Crete and in particular in Gortina, Festòs, and Haghìa Triàda (late nineteenth century and early decades of the twentieth century), in the restoration, accommodation and protection of archaeological remains brought to light. While in Italy, and particularly in Sicily, for example, the case of the protection, with de-restoration operations, of the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina (2015) remains exemplary and even problematic today, in Malta (2010) and Turkey (2019). We witness the protection of archaeological remains with the construction of tensile structures that compromise the basic relationship with the surrounding environment. My talk explores the theme of the protection of archaeological remains starting from the past experiences of Italian archaeologists and architects, in the Mediterranean, and comparing these interventions with recent ones both in Italy and in countries such as Greece, Malta, and Turkey, in order to offer food for thought useful to identify suitable activities for the conservation, use and enhancement of the archaeological heritage, essential for our lives.