State Archives of Naples, historic gardens renovated and open to all

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THEState Archives of Naples is becoming increasingly green thanks to the recovery of historic gardens and the promotion of sustainable development. The initiative, supported by PNRR funds and the collaboration between local institutions and associations, aims to enhance the cultural and historical heritage of the city, combining ancient traditions and technological innovation. An example of urban regeneration that opens up to both tourists and citizens, offering new green spaces to explore and appreciate.

A regeneration project for the former convent of Saints Severino and Sossio

The former convent of the Saints Severino and Sossio, home to the State Archives of Naples, has been at the center of a regeneration project that aims to redevelop a historic space with a sustainable perspective. As explained by the mayor Gaetano Manfredi during the inauguration, the recovery of the gardens created a connection between the area of ​​San Marcellino and the Decumano, transforming a hidden corner of Naples into a new public heritage accessible to all. Thanks to a two million euro funding, the works involved not only the gardens but also the digitalization of the structure, as part of the program to enhance the UNESCO site of the Ancient Center of Naples.

The Return of the Benedictine Tradition and the Commitment to Sustainability

The restoration of the gardens followed the canons of the Benedictine tradition, respecting the historical identity of the convent. As underlined Candida Carrino, director of the State Archives of Naples, it was essential to follow the principles of eco-sustainability, working in synergy with institutions and associations such as NormalHeroes, promoter of public utility initiatives. Among the main interventions, thegarden of the simple, where the monks cultivated medicinal plants, thecitrus, already present in the mid-19th century, and natural gardens looked after by Fenice e Batù, society of John Masucci. The choice of plant components was based on aesthetic, ecological and historical criteria, aiming at a philological recovery of the landscape.

Gardens open to the public: a new space for the city

The State Archives gardens are now accessible for free during opening hours, offering a new green space for citizens and tourists. In Cloister of the Novitiate, restored according to the original design, new plant elements have been added such as the convallariaWhile in marble cloister the entire green component has been redesigned, creating an ideal environment for meetings and cultural activities. Even the Monks' Garden It has been renovated with new plants, becoming a place dedicated to recreational and educational activities for the community.

History and Technology: An Integrated Approach for the Future of the Archive

The restoration of the State Archives of Naples is a perfect example of integration between history and technology. As highlighted by Antonio Tarasco, director general of the State Archives, the aim is to make the archives not only a place reserved for scholars, but a space open to the city. The project also included a modern system of environmental monitoring, useful for assessing the impact of climate change on architectural heritage and historic greenery. The intervention also supported the creation of WORKSHOPS and guided tours, making the archive a place accessible to the widest possible public.

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