Vitruvian excavations in Fano: PD demands clarity on the enhancement

Vitruvian excavations in Fano: PD demands clarity on the enhancement plan

The Democratic Party group in Fano filed an inquiry with the municipal administration after the complete removal of trees in Piazza Andrea Costa, within the area where remains linked to the Basilica of Vitruvius were found. While acknowledging the archaeological importance of the discoveries, the group highlights the absence of a shared enhancement plan and raises concerns about how the intervention was handled.

The inquiry asks for clear answers to the following points:

• Whether a formal enhancement project for the archaeological area exists and its contents;
• Whether agronomists, forestry experts or other technical specialists were involved to assess alternatives to tree removal;
• Whether stability assessments (VTA) and preliminary surveys were carried out before tree removal;
• Technical reasons for excluding compromise solutions that could have preserved shade and the square's microclimate;
• How the administration communicated and involved local residents and neighborhood councils in decisions affecting the historic centre.

Why this matters

Protecting archaeological heritage and maintaining urban greenery are not mutually exclusive goals. International best practices show that multidisciplinary planning can enable the coexistence of archaeological finds and trees, preserving historical value and urban well-being. The inquiry also warns of short- and long-term negative effects such as loss of microclimate and the potential formation of urban heat islands in a central square.

Operational recommendations and next steps

• Commission a multidisciplinary assessment (archaeologists, agronomists, engineers, landscape designers) to identify solutions that combine conservation and public use;
• Publish VTA reports and any technical documentation that justified the operational choices;
• Hold public meetings and consultations with the Neighborhood Council and residents to explain timelines and project options;
• Consider mitigation measures (replacement planting, temporary shaded areas, microclimate monitoring) if tree removal proves unavoidable;
• Establish a clear work schedule and enhancement plan with monitoring indicators and opportunities for participatory review.

The inquiry was filed on 24 April 2026. The local PD group’s request is straightforward: provide citizens with full technical and project information so that decisions affecting the heart of Fano can be understood, debated and, where possible, improved to protect both archaeological heritage and urban greenery.