{"id":2080,"date":"2024-07-14T17:07:20","date_gmt":"2024-07-14T17:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unitedstatesofitaly.it\/?p=2080"},"modified":"2024-07-14T17:07:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-14T17:07:20","slug":"pompei-rinasce-il-contributo-di-carmine-lo-sapio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitedstatesofitaly.it\/en\/pompei-rinasce-il-contributo-di-carmine-lo-sapio\/","title":{"rendered":"Pompeii reborn: the contribution of Carmine Lo Sapio"},"content":{"rendered":"

The excavations of <\/span>Pompei they brought to light the history of a city suddenly blocked in 79 AD by the lava of the eruption of Vesuvius, with its monuments, its homes, its temples and its inhabitants, extraordinarily preserved over the millennia. An exceptional archaeological site, an absolute must-see to discover at least a small part of its history.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Located at the foot of Vesuvius, Pompeii is a place where past and present meet in a vibrant mosaic of history and culture.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong> This unique city, with its ancient ruins, has attracted the world's attention for centuries, offering a fascinating window into life in ancient Rome. However, Pompeii is not just a testimony to the past; it is also a place in constant renewal, pulsating with energy and innovation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Modern Pompeii is a vibrant cultural and tourist center, embracing its historical heritage while moving toward a sustainable future. Cobbled streets and thousand-year-old monuments coexist with cutting-edge initiatives and urban regeneration projects, which aim to transform the city into a living example of integrated and participatory development.<\/strong>. In this context, the mayor Carmine Lo Sapio<\/strong> played a crucial role in driving this transformation, bringing the city back to the center of the international stage.<\/p>\n

The Legacy of Bartolo Longo<\/h2>\n

The current splendor of Pompeii has deep roots in the work of Bartolo Longo and Countess De Fusco<\/strong>. In the 19th century, Longo, a lawyer and philanthropist, together with his benefactor and future wife, Countess De Fusco, donated his properties to build the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Pompeii and the city around it. This gesture of generosity and their commitment laid the foundation for modern Pompeii.<\/strong> Longo, beatified for his devoted and tireless work, is remembered not only for the Sanctuary, but also for building educational and charitable institutions that transformed the local community.<\/p>\n

Bartolo Longo's influence on the city was not limited to the construction of buildings.<\/strong> He worked to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants, establishing schools, orphanages, and hospitals, which made Pompeii a place of hope and rebirth. His vision was to a city that combines spirituality with social commitment<\/strong>, and his efforts were instrumental in transforming Pompeii from a rural area to a center of faith and community.<\/p>\n

Mayor Carmine Lo Sapio has taken up this spirit, committing himself to keeping the city in excellent condition, preserving its cultural heritage.<\/strong>. \u201cWhen we began our mandate, Pompeii was very different from how we see it today,\u201d explains Lo Sapio. \u201cThe streets were full of potholes and in urgent need of repair.\u201d One of the administration's first interventions was to improve road infrastructure, with a complete redevelopment of public roads and public-use streets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, thanks to the efforts of the mayor and his team, Pompeii is a renewed city, with renovated streets and public spaces that improve the quality of life for residents and attract visitors from around the world.<\/strong> This infrastructure renewal process is an ongoing tribute to Bartolo Longo's legacy, reflecting the same dedication to community well-being that guided his actions.<\/p>\n

Lo Sapio's commitment to keeping the memory of Bartolo Longo alive is evident in every corner of the city,<\/strong> where modernization and preservation of historical heritage coexist harmoniously. Through the restoration of historic buildings, the creation of new public spaces, and the organization of cultural events, Pompeii continues to honor its glorious past while looking confidently to the future.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Innovations and Collaborations<\/h2>\n

The transformation of Pompeii did not stop there. The restyling of the main square, in collaboration with EAV (formerly Circumvesuviana), included the lighting of the bell tower, improving the city's nighttime appeal.<\/strong> Furthermore, thanks to the funds of the PNNR,<\/strong> Pompeii has obtained funding of 67 million euros for the demolition of level crossings, a project carried out in agreement with the RFI<\/strong> for the planning of a new railway hub and the creation of pedestrian areas around the archaeological walk.<\/p>\n

Via Lepanto has already become pedestrianized, transforming Pompeii into a human-scale city, lived in and loved by its inhabitants.<\/strong> Numerous agreements with the superintendency of Pompeii, Naples, and the Teatro San Carlo, as well as the memorandum of understanding with Marina di Stabia, renamed Marina di Pompei, have strengthened the city's cultural and commercial ties with the gulf islands.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The Restyling of the Sanctuary Square<\/h2>\n

A focal point of the Lo Sapio administration's interventions was the restyling of Piazza Bartolo Longo<\/strong>, located in front of the majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna of Pompeii. This square is not only the beating heart of the city, but also a symbol of faith and devotion.<\/p>\n

Thanks to an agreement with EAV (<\/strong>Ente Autonomo Volturno (formerly the Circumvesuviana), the square has undergone a significant transformation. Redevelopment projects have restored the square to its original beauty, improving access and aesthetics. An important aspect of this restyling was the artistic lighting of the bell tower of the Sanctuary<\/strong>, which now shines like a beacon of hope and spirituality in the Pompeian nights. This project has not only improved the Sanctuary's visibility, but also enriched the atmosphere of the square, making it a welcoming meeting place for residents and tourists.<\/p>\n

\u00a0A Historical Protocol for Culture and Tourism<\/h2>\n

A memorandum of understanding was signed on August 4, 2023<\/strong> which regulates the relationship between the municipality of Pompeii and the Archaeological Park \u201c"for the education, development, and promotion of cultural activities related to the organization of events, initiatives, and demonstrations"\u201d<\/strong>. This historic agreement was signed by the park's general director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, and Mayor Carmine Lo Sapio.<\/p>\n

Lo Sapio underlined the importance of this agreement, defining it as historic because for the first time it has been possible \u201c"to unite the synergies of the two entities, always distant and divided, for the touristic and economic development of the city.".<\/strong> Mayor Lo Sapio and the general director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel<\/strong>, have signed a memorandum of understanding regulating the relationship between the Municipality of Pompeii and the Archaeological Park "for the education, development, and promotion of cultural activities related to the organization of events, initiatives, and demonstrations." Lo Sapio described this as a "historic agreement," as it brings together the synergies of the two entities, always distant and divided, for the first time for the city's tourism and economic development.<\/p>\n

With the signing of the protocol, the mayor and the general director have established a collaboration aimed at \u201cenhancement of the archaeological, cultural, and artistic heritage of the Pompeii area, each according to their own skills and possibilities.\u201d<\/strong> This shared synergy aims to ensure tourism development in the local area and surrounding areas by implementing "forms of cooperation aimed at jointly implementing a comprehensive project of conservation, enhancement, and sustainable function." The goal is to implement and improve the tourism services offered to the area, creating a tourism hub of excellence.<\/p>\n

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Pompeii Continuum: Toward a New Renaissance<\/h2>\n

One of the most significant projects under Lo Sapio's leadership is Pompeii Continuum.<\/strong> This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate and rediscover the art and culture of Pompeii through an interdisciplinary approach that unites faith, history, art, and innovation. Pompeii Continuum aims to reawaken the city's artistic and cultural potential, transforming its ancient ruins, squares, and streets into vibrant spaces of inspiration and rebirth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project does not simply preserve the past; it aims to create a sustainable and inclusive future. Pompeii Continuum encourages the participation of the local community and global visitors, promoting a shared vision of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.<\/strong> This initiative attracts private individuals, academics, artists, cultural associations, and public institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Innovative and Sustainable Projects<\/h2>\n

Under the umbrella of Pompeii Continuum<\/strong>, the city has launched a series of initiatives that aim to redefine its identity and its role in the contemporary world:<\/p>\n