An education project to protect the national historical and artistic heritage: the recovery and the opening to the public of the Aragonese castle of Taranto

Abstract

The safeguarding of Italian cultural heritage is essential for the conservation
and transmission of historical memory to new generations. In a difficult
framework such as the southern one, the rehabilitation project and the
public opening of the Aragonese castle of Taranto is worth mentioning.
Once the function of the headquarters of the navy command had ceased, it
was the object of a careful restoration, which saw the main military personnel,
engaged first in the recovery operations, then in the opening to the
public. The structure, which is now offered to tourists 365 days a year, has
achieved an exceptional result in terms of attendance. It is a project of education
for the protection of heritage directed to both adults and children,
particularly significant in a city context troubled by numerous social and
economic problems.