The System of Sicilian Archaeological Parks as a Governance Model for the Enhancement of Inner and Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

The issue of governance of inner areas, recognized and defined with the SNAI national strategy, requires reflection from the point of view of different disciplines. In this occasion, the point of view of Restoration is proposed. This could provide new perspectives for the enhancement of historic centres, landscapes, archaeological areas and so on, inducing cultural growth in communities. The situation of the Sicilian inner areas will be taken into consideration. Its relaunch could be achieved through the establishment of territorial governance ‘networks’, shared with local communities and also in interaction with other ‘networks’ such as, for example, those of UNESCO itineraries or, as proposed here, those of the archaeological parks. The latter in Sicily, unlike the rest of Italy, are entities with managerial and financial autonomy, with interesting potential for the governance of the sites they include. In particular, the two cases of the inner area of Calatino will be presented, illustrating some virtuous initiatives to be implemented together with the one of the archaeological park of Solunto, part of a larger archaeological park, which includes a vast territory with monumental emergencies both on the coasts and in the hinterland.