Conoscere per valorizzare. Il caso di Villamassargia in Sardegna

Recognizing and Raising Awareness. The Case of Villamassargia, Sardinia. As is well-known, historic cities are considered such inasmuch as they are the material expression of the diversity of societies and traditions. Therefore, it is essential to protect buildings and their characteristic features. In some respects, the theoretical expectations set out in restoration documents have been disregarded in practice, both nationally and internationally. With specific reference to Sardinian historic centers, the situation is particularly problematic. Indeed, here, more and more often, we are witnessing the mortification of traditional architecture with indiscriminate replacements in and transformations of buildings. Paradoxically, if the depopulation of some centers on the one hand has favored their natural deterioration, on the other, it has assured the survival of their historical-cultural importance. Under these conditions, a study of the historic center of Villamassargia (a small village in the province of Cagliari) has been carried out. On-site analysis has led to the recognition of the historical significance of many buildings, buildings which till now had remained unidentified, with obvious negative consequences for their conservation.