PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and validate a large-scale methodology for risk assessment and management in cultural heritage sites, taking into account their specific tangible or intangible values. Emphasis is given to historic centres that are key resources in building resilience to disasters but are also highly vulnerable due to several factors, such as the characteristics of the built environment, the community and social life, the lack of risk awareness and maintenance and finally the poor regulatory framework for their management and valorisation.Design/methodology/approachThe multi-step procedure starts from the assessment of the attributes of cultural heritage in order to identify priorities and address the analysis. Then, it evaluates the primary and secondary hazards in the area, the vulnerabilities and threats of the site and the impacts of the chain of events. Finally, it allows for calibrating a site-specific set of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures.FindingsThe application to two case studies in the Italian peninsula, the historic centres of San Gimignano and Reggio Calabria, allows for identifying research gaps and practical opportunities towards the adoption of common guidelines for the selection of safety measures.Originality/valueBy providing a qualitative assessment of risks, the research points out the potentialities of the methodology in the disaster risk management of cultural heritage due to its capacity to be comprehensive and inclusive towards disciplines and professionals.

Abstract. This paper presents a study of a reconstruction hypothesis of collapsed masonry

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The need to investigate the topic of risk management of cultural heritage and to work on the regulatory framework relating to its protection and enhancement become even more urgent in light of the recent seismic events that hit the Italian territory. The current emergency planning methods against natural or human-induced hazards have proven to be deficient. Reflecting on the way we normally conceive the cultural assets, the question is not only how to protect our heritage, but how to shift our perception to conceive it as a positive asset, and not only a responsibility. Cultural heritage is not only a document of the identity of a community and a territory, but it can also be the keystone for reconstruction and building resilience to disasters. Starting from this awareness, this paper introduces a methodology for the analysis heritage sites aiming at proposing risk reduction strategies that consider the participatory dialogue between different professional figures. The approach is based on the consolidated methodological framework identified by UNESCO, ICCROM and ICOMOS. The study entails a preliminary evaluation of the most hazardous events, threats and risks that can impact on the heritage values. By considering a worst-case scenario, the procedure allows for modelling and stressing the post-event resilience of the site or cultural asset under consideration. The results of the investigation highlight the potential of this procedure in practical terms. In fact, its adaptability to different scales and contexts responds to the common need of a rapid, integrated methodology for risk assessment. Finally, the paper discusses the current prevention policies involving cultural heritage, focusing on the need to balance conservation and active protection issues to those of safety.