Catania approves €125,000 to protect excavations at Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo

The City of Catania has approved a €125,000 measure to cover and secure the archaeological excavation located on the southern side of Piazza Cardinale Pappalardo, in the Civita district. Structures and stratigraphic layers uncovered during works started in 2023 require prompt conservation measures to preserve finds in situ.

The Superintendency for Cultural Heritage endorsed the covering solution as a necessary protective intervention. The executive project prepared by the Directorate for Community Policies outlines the protection works and related accessory measures.

• Main objective: protect and conserve the archaeological evidence uncovered during the 2023 excavations.
• Enhancement: installation of an information totem explaining the history and timeline of the excavations for visitors.
• Lighting: addition of two new light fixtures to improve usability and safety, consistent with existing street furniture.
• Total amount: €125,000, approximately €96,000 allocated to the actual construction works and the remainder to accessory works.
• Funding: partly sourced from increased tourist tax revenues for 2026; funds originally earmarked for the bid to be Cultural Capital were reallocated to urban regeneration and tourist promotion in the historic centre.

Practical note: the work concerns the covering and related measures; any further excavation projects or permanent displays will be subject to subsequent evaluations by the Superintendency.

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