Il progetto FIRB e il sito di Rometta: un connubio per costruire ricerca e cultura

In recent years the concept of “cultural heritage” has been changing significantly, no longer restricted to historical-artistic canons, but considered in fully historical terms. In such a perspective, cross-disciplinary research becomes essential for the understanding, the protection and the evolution of the each investigated territory, in addition to contributing to its development, from a touristic and economic perspective. In the case of Rometta, our research focused on the hypogeum of Sotto Castello and on the basilica of the discrict of Sotto San San Giovanni, identified as “sacred spaces”, analyzed and documented by means of a 3D archaeological survey. This kind of investigation allowed us to envisage specific actions to promote, enhance and protect the two sites: the 3D survey, in fact, is particularly helpful in the analysis of the rocky habitats, making it possible to deepen and widen the researchand to acquire a digital documentation of the explored site (which, in this way, can be permanently implemented). Thus, “making memory” of the past becomes, in Rometta as elsewhere, both a scientific challenge and a political and cultural responsibility, especially important for the future promotion of the cultural heritage and development of the local communities.