Preservation of cultural heritage in post-seismic reconstructions: a method and a case study

Post-catastrophe reconstructions that do not take into account the intangible cultural resources of a territory often recreate places where people do not recognize themselves and, therefore, decide not to live there. The enhancement of the identity of places in post- earthquake reconstructions through the recovery or new creation of places of aggregation constitutes an important factor both in the immediate risk phase, and in the completion ones. Such places can represent symbolic spaces of socialization, as well as re- appropriation of areas removed from common uses due to catastrophic events. Starting from these premises, aim of this work is to present the results of the task 1.5 “Italian and international best practices and placemaking” research - with the author’s co-responsibility - carried out in the framework of SISMI project of the Technological District for cultural heritage in the Lazio region. The case study of Leonessa in the Province of Rieti will complete the paper.