Identification and safeguarding of Central Sicily's forgotten vernacular heritage: elements of identity and memory

The coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges for rural areas already affected by chronic economic, social, and environmental problems such as depopulation, reduced service provision, ageing, the decline of agriculture income, inhibited accessibility. These problems are very serious in Central Sicily. Here, the absence of adequate infrastructure, the limited presence of organizations for the promotion and marketing of agricultural products, and the effects of climate change have strongly affected the rural landscape. Numerous small towns, farms and extraordinary underground structures are on the verge of extinction, threatened by the ravages of time, forgetfulness, and vandalism. Although often unknown, these eloquent examples of the vernacular heritage of the interior of the island are no longer an integral part of the life of the region. However, if properly identified, studied, protected, re-used, and reconnected to the territory, they could help to reinforce the local cultural identities, and bring positive changes in the socioeconomic conditions of the concerned peoples. This paper aims at exploring all these aspects, focusing on the territory of Enna. It also intends to present a pilot project aimed at identifying the most important elements of local rural architecture to promote sustainable methods of preservation and restoration.