Learn more about this project on the page MADE IN AMATRICE./*54745756836*/

Another potential initiative envisioned by the Association Terra di Amatrice Onlus is to enhance the historical and cultural works of  sites that were either minimally or entirely undamaged by recent seismic events.

We believe it should be a priority to focus on cultural works and sites located outside the earthquake red zone.These have great artistic importance, and will be less difficult to rebuild given the absence of neighboring damaged buildings.

In addition to implementing a restoration plan for these cultural works and sites, it would be possible to create rooms constructed of wood in the surrounding areas. These house museum-quality exhibits, photos, and preserved frescoes with accurate descriptions, historical notes, videos, brochures and other educational features. In essence, these exhibits would present the attractive aspects of the past within modern temporary structures containing displays full of rich content(i.e. a small museum exhibit with farm equipment of the Sanctuary dell’Icona Passatora and the Church of San Martino).

For example, the main historic feature of the Icona Passatora Church is the entire interior of the building, which is covered by historic frescoed walls. Despite having survived the earthquake, the continuous crumbling and detachment of the precious frescoes, caused by the unceasing seismic movements, have caused significant damage. Therefore, immediate restoration works are required.

The Church of San Martino has undergone a similar situation. It was recently restored by the national authority but was seriously damaged by the earthquake. “Terra di Amatrice Onlus” recommends restoration activities – not just for the historical-artistic content that the place of worship represents, but also because it is located on a major tourist route that leads to the Monti della Laga.

The Church of San Martino is a sanctuary that dates back to 1400 A.D. It is the departure point where tracking paths branch off to various types of modern-day sports and recreation modes, including foot, horse rides and mountain bike trails. An opportunity exists to construct a chain of activities and services for tourism and socio-cultural purposes along this route.

As anticipated, the mountain routes marked by the CAI section of Amatrice allow for easy access to locations of high naturalistic value on the west side of the Laga. Thus, the Church of San Martino assumes a strategic value not only for its own historical and artistic values, but because of its prime location. It can be found on a hiking trail path leading to a highly attractive landscape, and it also includes a groundwater spring that discharges into the Creek Pié di Lepre. Downstream the creek, it is possible to find Cima Lepri, as well as a waterfall called Delle Scalette. Further west, along another trail, one can reach the spectacular “Cascata Delle Barche” (Creek della Solagna / Creek di Selva Grande).

While the above-mentioned churches have been marked for renovation, two other churches have been identified for intervention. The Church of Santa Maria della Torre in the community of San Cipriano (located closest to one of the two SAE centers of Amatrice), and the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio (Church of the Purgatory) which is located directly on Amatrice’s main street, are located in less-affected areas from the earthquake and are ready for renovation.

Renovation of “Stazzi” buildings

The Amatriciana Valley is located at the foot of the Monti della Laga, an area characterized by  remarkable biodiversity.The sites cater to mountain tourism given  many trails have been already identified by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and are accessible through CAI guides. As part of the potential project that the Association Terra di Amatrice Onlus has studied in depth, the “Stazzi” buildings have been identified for reconstruction. (Note: The “Stazzi” describes a typical rural settlement built with dry stone for the shelter of shepherds and herds) These are situated at various altitudes, and today they are used by hikers and tourists. A survey of the territory has identified a total of eleven (11) ruins of these rural Stazzi shelters.

Among these, a highlight is the Stazzo building of Colle Piano, located at an altitude of 1575 meters between a rich field of vegetation near Colle Piano and Monte Doro. A second building – called the Stazzo di Selva Grande at an altitutde of 1545 meters, is located near the Piani Fonte spring on the path to Monte Gorzano. (Note: Monte Gorzano, with an elevation of 2458 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the Monti della Laga and Lazio Region).

The Association Terra di Amatrice Onlus believes that renovation  of these two Stazzi structures has potential to attract outdoor enthusiasts, as well as  promote physical activities or other opportunities to encourage well-being. In addition to being a driving force of the socio-economic development of the Amatrice Valley, the Stazzi buildings could now become a focal point to welcome tourists and mountain lovers throughout the year./*54745756836*/

The locations of the new SAE centers have been identified near the hamlets of Caprichia, Colle Pagliuca, Torrita, and Voceto.

The Municipality of Amatrice would like to create permanent housing in some of these centers to allow for the aggregation of residents. This community building is essential to contribute to the recovery and provide a sense of  normalcy for its residents.

Before the earthquake, the social life of the area was characterized by meeting places within the communities where, after working hours or on holidays, the residents met to socialize.

In the future, these new residential centers will also be useful for the ongoing physical and mental therapy of those suffering from post-traumatic stress caused by the earthquake.

Recognizing that these fundamental centers are vital for the social and moral reconstruction of the territory, we wholeheartedly agreed with the Administration to bring these centers into operation. Each has a living area of about 60 square meters, consisting of a single room for maximum flexibility and an accessible toilet to accommodate people with physical disabilities.

Externally, each individual project has considered additional projects in the surrounding area to allow users to take advantage of the new community centers in the warmer months.

The entire project will be carried out by the Association. A Civil Engineer will be in charge of the design, construction, supervision, and the completion of all necessary construction practices to verify that the project is in accordance with seismic codes.

Planimetric construction scheme

This project has been made possible thanks to the staff of the Italian Ambassador in London, Mr. Pasquale Terraciano, who created an agreement at the Goldman-Sachs bank, which financed three of the four units.

The project success is also due to the close attention and support of the UK, which led to the 2017 visit of Prince Charles to Amatrice and the earthquake red zone.

The Association is honored to have earned the trust of benefactors abroad who have joined leading Italian companies in this effort to reconstruct Amatrice. Like others, they have verified the corresponded activities of the Association Terra di Amatrice Onlus to the year of their donations.

This support provides the encouragement to continue the support and reconstruction works of the socio-economic revival of the area./*54745756836*/