Catania: €125,000 allocated to safeguard excavations at Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo

The Municipality of Catania has approved an allocation of €125,000 to provide a protective cover and safety measures for the excavation area located in the southern part of Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo, in the Civita district. Stratigraphic features uncovered during works started in 2023 require immediate steps to preserve archaeological materials in situ.

The regional Superintendency for Cultural Heritage supported the covering solution as a necessary protective measure. The executive project, prepared by the Directorate for Community Policies, outlines the primary interventions and related accessory works.

• Main aim: to protect and conserve the structures and finds uncovered during the 2023 excavations.
• Planned interventions: construction of the cover, accessory works, installation of an informational totem and upgrades to lighting.
• Budget breakdown: approximately €96,000 earmarked for the covering works; the remaining amount will fund accessory works and installations.
• Funding sources: partially financed through the 2026 increase in the tourist tax; funds originally intended for a bid as Capital of Culture were reallocated to urban regeneration and historic centre promotion projects.

The accessory works include an informational totem to explain the chronology of the excavations to visitors. Two new lighting fixtures will be added to improve safety and usability in continuity with existing street furniture.

Practical note: the approved intervention concerns the covering and related works. Any further excavation or permanent exhibition installations will be assessed later by the Superintendency.

Location: Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo, Civita district, 95131 Catania (coordinates: 37.5017884, 15.0913194).