Climate is changing. Our Heritage stands strong.
04/11/2025
On 28.10.2025 Monte Sant’Angelo hosted the second Living Lab of the CAMPUS project – a key milestone in the Interreg Italy-Croatia programme, which brings together six partners committed to developing climate adaptation plans for UNESCO sites.
This meeting offered a meaningful moment of exchange between scientific research and hands-on technical expertise.
IUAV University of Venice presented a multi-risk analysis highlighting the main vulnerabilities of the UNESCO site: from extreme heat and drought affecting the historic centre, to heavy rainfall and strong winds threatening the Sanctuary complex. Special attention was given to the hypogean frescoes inside the cave, which are at risk due to moisture and salt crystallisation. Engineer Marilina Azzarone shared the tangible results of structural interventions carried out since 2000 – including protective covers and the newly designed steel and glass entrance, specifically engineered to withstand strong winds. A proposal also emerged to explore renewable energy sources for buildings within the buffer zone, promoting sustainability and innovation. The Living Lab reaffirmed the need for a planned conservation strategy, combining ongoing maintenance, sustainable visitor management, and innovative measures within the site’s management plan.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants – experts, public administrators, and citizens – for contributing to this important reflection on the future of our heritage. Let’s keep working together for a more resilient and sustainable future for our UNESCO treasures!