The Sanità district in Naples: community involvement in developing its heritage value

A renaissance is underway in Naples, with the Sanità district emerging as a key player in its cultural revival. Once marginalized and overlooked, this working-class neighborhood is now at the forefront of a locally driven heritage process known as 'heritagization.' This concept, rooted in community participation and associative dynamics, integrates historical preservation with social engagement to transmit the spirit of place. Research through direct interviews and surveys reveals that local stakeholders, including public and private actors, are actively shaping this transformation, addressing needs, aspirations, fears, and concerns. The study highlights successful heritagization outcomes and their social impact, offering a model for balancing heritage development with community involvement in UNESCO-recognized urban landscapes.

Salomone, C. (2016). The Sanità district in Naples: community involvement in developing its heritage value. Sustainable Tourisim VII, 1, 223–230. https://doi.org/10.2495/st160191