Sassi di Matera: public debate on renewing sub-concessions

Councillor Domenico Bennardi has urged authorities to open a public consultation before proceeding with the renewal of sub‑concessions in the Sassi di Matera. The appeal aims to make the renewal process participatory, given that the Sassi are among Italy's most important UNESCO heritage sites.

Key points

• Renewal duration: the proposed renewal could extend up to thirty years, requiring strategic, shared decisions.
• Protection of residents: policies should prioritize the quality of life of the community living in the historic quarters, in line with special regulations for the area.
• Balancing tourism: avoid tourism monoculture by supporting local crafts, cultural initiatives and training opportunities.
• Transparency and merit: renewals should not be automatic; clear criteria based on fairness and merit-based evaluation are needed.

Operational proposals

• Start public consultations with residents, associations, universities and researchers to define shared criteria.
• Prepare an updated census of sub‑concessions to assess the legal and economic status of properties.
• Introduce public tender procedures for premises subject to change of use or proven arrears.
• Promote repopulation policies and incentives for young people and sustainable local businesses.

Why this matters

The Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, need management that balances heritage conservation with residents' wellbeing. Thoughtful, participatory decisions help reconcile cultural protection, sustainable tourism and social cohesion.

Location

Place: Sassi di Matera, 75100 Matera (MT), Italy
Coordinates: 40.6648626, 16.6107106