The historic city culture in Italy

The essay outlines the evolutionary stages of the historic city culture in Italy, up to its current decay. The main stages leading from its theoretical statement, with the first effective experiences conserving urban and social fabric in ancient centres, to the present crisis, can be summarised as follows: the post-war discussion about rebuilding historical cities; the Gubbio Charter; the Old towns plans and urban restoration projects (Bologna, Rome etc.); the sale of public building assets in the old towns; the plans for post-earthquake reconstruction in L’Aquila and Emilia craters; the privatisation (and commodification) of monumental urban space. A critical revival of historical city (and its territories) for the redefinition of civil coexistence requires now: a recognition of the evolu-tionary principles that have governed its formation; a detailed and updated survey on the urban-territorial heritage; the participation of citizens in its redevelopment; a no longer extendable con-tainment of new soil commitment; a new appropriation and implementation of design and craft skills.