Anna De Fazio Siciliano's 'Diario di bordo Scoppa' Chronicles Calabria's Lost Heritage

In her latest book, 'Diario di bordo Scoppa. Frammenti di un patrimonio perduto', Italian writer and art historian Anna De Fazio Siciliano explores the historical and artistic heritage of Calabria, focusing on the plight of Palazzo Scoppa in the ancient village of Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio. The palace, historically linked to the Certosa di Serra San Bruno, has suffered from neglect due to the region's complex geography and political turmoil. De Fazio Siciliano uses a fragmented diary format to advocate for the preservation of such cultural sites, aiming to 'ricucire, restituire, mettere in salvo' (stitch together, restore, rescue) the memory of these places. The narrative intertwines personal reflections with the story of Baroness Enrichetta Scoppa (1831-1910), a benefactress whose legacy is shrouded in dark legends, including accusations of murder and witchcraft. De Fazio Siciliano, who stayed in the Baroness's former residence, uncovers a clandestine art trade and a family scandal, adding a spy-story element to the historical account. The book features photographs by artist Serafina Figliuzzi and includes commentary from musician Graziano Cristello and archaeologist Salvatore Settis, both praising the work's contribution to cultural awareness. The publication aims to restore dignity to Enrichetta Scoppa, often misrepresented in local folklore, and to highlight the broader issue of heritage loss in Calabria.