Cervia's salt pan nominated for UNESCO, aims to become open-air salt museum

The municipality of Cervia has submitted its salt pan (Salina di Cervia) to UNESCO for World Heritage status, aiming to transform the area into an open-air museum dedicated to salt culture. The salt pan, covering 827 hectares and comprising over 50 basins, has been central to the local economy since Roman times. In the late 1980s, state monopoly control led to its decommissioning, but a nature reserve was established in 1979. The historic Salina Camillone continues artisanal production using the traditional "metodo cervese." Following the May 2023 floods in Romagna, salt production was suspended. The UNESCO bid is seen as a signal of recovery, according to regional president Stefano Bonaccini. Key redevelopment projects funded by PNRR and €6 million from the reconstruction commissioner include a new Water Museum at the Idrovora di via Bova, a cycling ring around the salt pan (Anello del sale) modeled on the Camargue, and renovation of the existing Salt Museum (Musa) to incorporate archaeological finds of Roman saltworks and mosaics. The salt pan is state-owned but concessioned to Cervia until 2057; mayor Massimo Medri aims to leverage this opportunity. The museum renovation has already begun, aiming for a more immersive experience.