Identification and preservation of the Cold War sites in Italy

Abstract

Since the Fall of the Berlin Wall, more than 8000 militaries installations worldwide have been made available for civilian use. To many, the idea of attempting to conserve military sites from the Cold War sounds discordant due to the awkward or “uncomfortable” nature of the subject matter and the generally unappealing aesthetics associated. Even if the Cold War influenced many aspects of the popular culture, science and technology, architecture, landscape and people’s perception of the world, the legacy of this war is less tangible than others, and for this reason it is important to make an attempt to preserve its relics. Military sites might be the only representative Cold War remains of a country and reflect issues beyond their military functions. The aim of this contribution is to present few cases of reuse of Cold War military structures in Italy and to introduce the lack of their identification and preservation.

Reintegrating Cold War landscapes? The former Trieste Barracks in Casarsa della Delizia

“…The Italian case lacks in-depth studies on Cold War landscapes, and a public inventory of Cold War sites in Italy has still not been released. Bravaglieri 20 inquired on preservation issues of Cold War sites, while Malatesta 21 analysed the historical events related to the NATO presence in Italy. Nevertheless, few steps have been taken towards a comprehensive survey of Cold War military sites.…”