Sardinia, superintendence checks damage at archaeological sites in Bithia and Nora

The Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the metropolitan city of Cagliari and the provinces of Oristano and South Sardinia has let it be known in a note that in recent days surveys have begun to verify the damage to the archaeological heritage caused by Cyclone Harry.

The first reconnaissances were carried out in the territories of Domus de Maria and Pula, where the municipal administrations promptly reported criticalities in the archaeological sites of Bithia and Nora, respectively. Checks carried out by the Superintendence’s technical staff in Bithia found major damage and emergency situations in the portions of the sites adjacent to the coast, which were most exposed to the erosive action of the wave motion that reached exceptional strength.

In Bithia, the storm surge highlighted some burials of the Sa Colonia necropolis, which preserves a stratification of Phoenician, Punic and Roman tombs pertaining to the ancient settlement of Bithia. The Superintendency immediately initiated an emergency intervention of recovery, securing and archaeological excavation of the contexts at risk of loss, and the archaeological team is hard at work. The security of the site is guaranteed these days thanks to the collaboration with the municipality of Domus de Maria and law enforcement. Carabinieri from the Heritage Protection Unit in Cagliari, Carabinieri from the Domus de Maria station, supported by colleagues from stations in neighboring municipalities, and the Forestry Corps, particularly with personnel from the Teulada station, are providing operational support with constant monitoring and patrolling of the area, which has also been equipped with remote surveillance systems. Local police and Guardia di Finanza have also cooperated in the control action. Today the Cagliari Underwater Carabinieri are also active to check the sea for archaeological materials dragged by the waves.

In the municipality of Pula, the site of Nora has suffered extensive damage in the coastal strip, particularly in the east and south facing areas, confirming the particular delicacy of these areas subject to coastal erosion and at risk of loss of archaeological heritage and on which safeguard projects are being worked on by the Superintendency, the Cagliari Public Works Department, the Municipality of Pula and the Region of Sardinia. In particular, subsidence and landslides have been recorded in thearea of the Terme di Levante baths, accumulation of stone elements thrown by the waves on the Roman forum and the area of the Punic quarter with collapse of portions of structures, falling pine trees with eradication of layers and archaeological contexts, as well as damage to the cliff protection system under the Temple of Aesculapius.

Activities to verify and quantify the damage are still ongoing. Superintendence staff are also carrying out checks and inspections at other coastal sites in the area to verify any further critical situations. Interlocutions between the Superintendency, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, and in particular the Councillor for Culture Ilaria Portas, the Civil Defense and all the administrations and agencies involved remain constant.

Sardinia, superintendence checks damage at archaeological sites in Bithia and Nora

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.