DRY-STONE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE IN MADONIE DISTRICT The rehabilitation of ancient rural complexes, as exemplary Smart Villages

Abstract

In the UNESCO Geopark of the Madonie, Sicily, 21 municipalities are facing significant challenges in the development of their inland areas. The enhancement of architectural heritage, particularly dry-stone structures and ancient rural complexes, is crucial to preserving a millennia-old construction technique. These complexes represent the outcome of a deep understanding of the stone material and the surrounding territorial context. However, many of these structures are now abandoned and in a state of decay due to changes in land use. It is essential to recognize their intrinsic value and implement concrete measures to protect, enhance, and promote them. The preservation of these cultural assets is not only a duty to safeguard tradition but also an opportunity to bridge the past and the future. The pagghiari of the Madonie, for instance, can be sustainably restored and repurposed as mountain refuges, residences, or agricultural spaces, with the potential to offer gastronomic experiences linked to the region's Slow Food initiatives. This approach would promote a sustainable use of the land, blending tradition and innovation. Identifying well-preserved structures and those in decay could trigger a process of territorial promotion, creating an inter-municipal network of rural complexes capable of supporting diverse activities. The revival of dry-stone architecture would not only provide adaptable solutions to contemporary needs but also ensure a sustainable future for this valuable heritage, transforming these areas into smart villages and contributing to local economic development.