Torre Astura. Surveys and investigations on a multi-stratified site

The site of Torre Astura constitutes a historical landscape of exceptional stratification, where archaeological and architectural remains intertwine, ranging from the Roman maritime villa to the medieval fortress and modern interventions. The research, conducted between 2017 and 2022, focused on surveying the external structures, with particular attention to the bridge-aqueduct, which is currently severely affected by marine erosion, climate change, and human impact. The integration of laser scanning, photogrammetric surveys, and historical documentation has enabled an updated assessment of the complex’s conservation status and its comparison with previous investigations, highlighting significant losses. The recent safeguarding works initiated by the Superintendence within the Caput Mundi project represent an important first step toward site protection. However, a broader enhancement strategy is desirable, capable of reconciling heritage preservation with conscious forms of public access, thus restoring Torre Astura to its role as a living and identity-bearing landscape.