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A place built for defense that could become a space for the community. It is around this transformation that a request coming from the southern area is concentrated: to return Forte Schiaffino to the community and make the historical complex a cultural, educational and environmental resource for the southern area of Messina.
«Forte Schiaffino return to the city». This was the appeal launched by Santa Lucia sopra Contesse during the meeting “The places of rebirth”, promoted in recent days by the diocesan Commission for the custody of Creation of the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, together with Aura, Ars Nova Messina and the Order of Architects.
Hosted by the “G. Catalfamo” comprehensive institute, the event brought together citizens, schools, associations and the Municipality around the future of the historic fortified complex. The objective is to start a concrete path for the safety, recovery and reopening of the Fort, imagining it as a space for cultural, educational, environmental and social activities.
The president of the II Municipality, Davide Siracusano, illustrated what emerged from the inspection carried out by the Council on 23 September. Councilor Enzo Caruso reported that the planning guidance document (DIP), drawn up by municipal technicians and approved by the council, does not currently have funding, but could be used to participate in future programs aimed at the protection and valorisation of cultural heritage.
“Before the structural interventions, it will also be necessary to remove the additions to complete the transfer of the property to the Municipality – explains Siracusano – In the short term, reclamation, rehabilitation, sanitation, safety measures and access regulation are planned”. The II Municipality said it was willing to collaborate with the Municipality, Messina Servizi and local associations to enhance the Fort and include it in the Strait Forts Network, with the aim of returning it to the city.
In the meantime, the inspection established a first plan of interventions: reclamation and sanitation of the environments, rehabilitation, safety measures and access regulation. The II Municipality has also expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Municipality and Messina Servizi Bene Comune, also involving private individuals and associations interested in the care of the area. Among the objectives there is also the inclusion of Forte Schiaffino in the Network of Forts of the Strait, to enhance its historical and landscape heritage.
The initiative, organized by the Commission coordinated by Father Sergio Siracusano, took place as part of the XXI Day for the Custody of Creation, inspired by the words of the prophet Isaiah: «They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into sickles». A particularly significant reminder for a structure born with a military function and which today could become a place of culture, meeting and participation. The meeting was attended by, among others, the head teacher of the IC “Catalfamo” Angelo Cavallaro and Marco Grassi of Aura. The evening was accompanied by musical performances by the violinist Giovanni Alibrandi and Monsignor Giovanni Lombardo on the piano.