RECENTI CROLLI DI MURA URBANE MONUMENTALI: UN PROBLEMA CULTURALE

Some recent collapses which have affected historic constructions are particularly significant in that little attention is generally paid to structural aspects. In this regard, it is believed that this be a symptom of a cultural problem: we are generally confident in the safety of existing buildings for the sole reason that they have long been tested by many centuries of age. And really fortifications and city walls, with their solid and long lasting appearance, are reported as examples of frequent failures. In particular we are talking about the city walls of Volterra (PI), Magliano in Toscana (GR), Pistoia and those of Cana Roccalbegna (GR) that during particularly intense rainfall events have suffered collapses and substantial damage, with particular risk for human lives. We therefore propose to make a reflection on the safeguard of historical walls without rhetoric and hypocrisy and without limiting protection to the architectural appearance only. The negligence in safeguarding can be rightfully considered a contributory cause of the collapses.