Catania allocates €125,000 to protect excavations in Piazza Pappalardo

The Municipality of Catania has approved a €125,000 intervention to cover and secure the excavation area located in the southern sector of Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo, in the Civita district. This decision follows the discovery in 2023 of archaeological structures and stratigraphy during renovation works.

The regional Superintendency for Cultural Heritage has endorsed covering the site as a measure to preserve in situ finds. The executive project prepared by the Directorate for Community Policies outlines the protective works and related accessory measures.

• Main goal: safeguard and conserve archaeological evidence uncovered in 2023;
• Enhancement: installation of an informative totem to present the site's history and excavation timeline to visitors;
• Lighting: addition of two new lighting fixtures to ensure visual continuity with existing street furniture and improve accessibility and safety;
• Funding: total of €125,000, with approximately €96,000 allocated to construction works and the remainder to ancillary municipal expenses.

Part of the funding comes from the tourist tax, increased for 2026. The municipal administration reallocated funds initially aimed at a cultural capital bid to urban regeneration and tourist promotion projects in the historic centre.

The intervention aims to balance protection and public use: besides safeguarding archaeological remains, the informational panel and improved lighting will promote awareness of the heritage and enhance visitors' and residents' experience.

Practical note: the approved works concern the covering and related measures for the excavation area; any further excavations or permanent displays will require subsequent assessments by the Superintendency.