New Superintendence Building at Pompeii Sparks Controversy Over Double Standards
Residents and environmental advocates are expressing their anger over a three-story concrete edifice located near Porta di Stabia at the Pompeii archaeological site. This building, which replaces the former "Officine Falegnami e Fabbri" workshops, now serves as offices for the Soprintendenza. Local group L'Altritalia Ambiente and community members have dubbed it an "ecomostro," criticizing its effects on the landscape despite strict regulations imposed on residents. Concerns were initially voiced in January 2018 by M5S parliamentarians Luigi Gallo and Andrea Cioffi. Massimo Osanna, the then-director of Pompeii Archaeological Park, assured that urban regulations were followed. The Superintendence confirmed compliance and MiBACT's approval, while Senator Vincenzo D'Anna questioned the legitimacy of the structure's approval in a protected area, pointing out inconsistencies in preservation practices.
Key facts
- A three-story concrete building for the Superintendence was built near Porta di Stabia at Pompeii.
- The structure replaced the former 'Officine Falegnami e Fabbri' workshops.
- Environmental group L'Altritalia Ambiente and citizens protested the building as an 'ecomostro'.
- Residents face strict bans on placing chairs or tables in the central square near the Sanctuary.
- In January 2018, parliamentarians Luigi Gallo and Andrea Cioffi (M5S) inspected and expressed concerns.
- Massimo Osanna, then director general of Pompeii Archaeological Park, assured compliance with regulations.
- The Superintendence stated the project followed all urban and landscape norms and was approved by MiBACT.
- Senator Vincenzo D'Anna questioned the double standard allowing the building while citizens face strict constraints.
- A similar controversy occurred at Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, where a glass pavilion by Studio Labics was blocked by Minister Alberto Bonisoli.
- Critics highlight an Italy of double standards in heritage preservation.
Entities
Artists
- Vittorio Sgarbi
Institutions
- Soprintendenza di Pompei
- Parco Archeologico di Pompei
- MiBACT
- L'Altritalia Ambiente
- M5S
- Studio Labics
- UNESCO
- Artribune
Locations
- Pompei
- Porta di Stabia
- Santuario di Pompei
- Ferrara
- Palazzo dei Diamanti
- Italia