Semirurali Park, medieval finds also stolen – Bolzano

by time news

BOLZANO. To the rescue of Santa Maria in Augia. Which is perhaps the only “democratically” accessible archaeological site in the entire urban circle.

“We want to understand where and how the degradation came from,” he announces Chiara Rabini. So much so that the councilor for culture called his offices and arranged an inspection in the park of the Semirurali. The evidence of a bad use of the place is too evident, among the residues of alcoholic parties and out of control droppings. But the front of bad education is one. The other also concerns the theft of artifacts. Ancient stones, old bricks and traces of plaster removed.

“But the question goes beyond the case of Santa Maria in Augia – he says in turn Angelo Gennaccaro – and almost transversely affects the situation of all urban parks. Improper use of public spaces is a constant. Starting from the Semirurali to get to the Capuchin garden ».

The councilor for “community development” does not mention this last park at random and therefore with particular attention to the suburbs. Because if the attacks of petty crime on the surviving finds of the medieval church in the neighborhoods are the subject of recent reports and reports, for example, the situation of the small frescoed chapel in the park of the Capuchins remains very serious, remaining on the level of sites of faith.

That wall painting is reduced by half. The rest has almost disappeared due to the offensives of time and elements but above all due to the continuous offenses of the visitors to that green area. There too, conscious scars and damage.

“The question certainly concerns bad education – comments Gennaccaro – but it also touches on the urgency of insisting on policies linked to culture and free time”.

In short, civil occupation of spaces, activation of public initiatives are often the only weapons available to curb the degradation of unprotected assets. “Let’s now try to establish precisely the state of the site of the church of Santa Maria – explains Councilor Rabini – with the support of archaeologists and our officials but it is very complicated to provide for specific surveillance ….”.

Also because a keeper for each stone would not be possible. Since it is not Pompeii. But the initial idea of ​​enriching the contents of a park that intends to enhance sharing and social life even in the suburbs would remain valid for the Municipality. Even assuming the risk of a lack of protection in practice.

«The last possibility would be the closure of the site – ventures Gennaccaro – for example with high windows that do not block the view of the finds but allow their protection. But then we should expect further risks of damage ».

In short, we will try to implement greater maintenance without arming the site. Keeping it as an enriching element of a park however destined for a series of events.

We remind you that it is a church dating back to the 11th century, on land donated to the bishop of Trento who decided to entrust the first Pieve to the Augustinians. That place of worship is called Santa Maria in Augia because it refers to an ancient toponym, Howe, reported in the testimonies of the time that refer to “in loco qui dicitur Howe”, a name that stands for “Au”, two letters that describe a marshy or marshy field, subject to frequent river spills. Hence Augia.

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