Over 23% of Italy's cultural heritage at flood risk, new report reveals
According to a report by Openpolis, which utilized 2021 data from Ispra, Italy's cultural heritage faces significant flood threats, with almost 50,000 architectural and archaeological sites vulnerable to hydraulic dangers. Approximately 23% of these sites are at risk, with 7.5% categorized as high-risk. The region of Emilia-Romagna has 65% of its heritage endangered, while Veneto, Liguria, and Calabria are particularly affected in high-risk zones. Notably, all cultural assets in Ferrara are located in flood-prone regions. In Venice province, there are 4,500 sites at risk, including over 3,000 within the city itself. The Mose barrier system, which became operational in late 2020, was designed to mitigate flooding similar to the incident in November 2019. In early 2022, the Senate Culture Committee called for government measures to safeguard heritage against climate change.
Key facts
- Openpolis published a report on cultural heritage at flood risk in Italy, based on 2021 data.
- Ispra identified nearly 50,000 cultural assets exposed to hydraulic hazard.
- Over 23% of all registered cultural heritage in Italy is at flood risk; 7.5% in high-risk zones.
- Emilia-Romagna has 65% of its heritage at risk; high-risk areas: Veneto, Liguria, Calabria.
- Ferrara province: 100% of cultural assets in flood-prone areas due to Po Delta.
- Venice province: 4,500 sites at risk, over 3,000 in the city, more than half at high risk.
- Mose barrier operational since late 2020; 2019 flood saw 187 cm tide, 110 cm water in St. Mark's Basilica.
- Florence: 1,800 at-risk assets (80%); Naples: 8 sites (<1%).
- Senate Culture Committee resolution in early 2022 urges climate protection for heritage.
- G20 Culture in Italy produced Rome Declaration in summer 2021.
- Resolution calls for open-source Carta del Rischio platform.
Entities
Institutions
- Openpolis
- Ispra (Istituto superiore per la protezione e la ricerca ambientale)
- Istituto superiore per la conservazione e il restauro
- Vincoli in rete
- Mose
- Basilica di San Marco
- Chiesa di San Moisé
- Teatro La Fenice
- Commissione Cultura al Senato
- G20 Cultura
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Emilia Romagna
- Veneto
- Liguria
- Calabria
- Ferrara
- Delta del Po
- Reggio Emilia
- Rovigo
- Venezia
- Venice
- Florence
- Genoa
- Naples
- Rome