Renovation of decentralized places of worship
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.