Publications
Gli scritti di Giordano Falzoni per il Museo Vivo di Ugo Marano: sinergie creative e sperimentazione parasurrealista in Costiera Amalfitana | The Writings of Giordano Falzoni for Ugo Marano’s Museo Vivo: Creative Synergies and Parasurrealist Experimentati
This research sheds light on Giordano Falzoni's (1925–1998) often-overlooked contributions to Italian Surrealism and the avant-garde, particularly his collaboration with Ugo Marano in the Museo Vivo project (1971–1976) on the Amalfi Coast. By analyzing Falzoni’s critical writings and poetic experiments—such as Museo Vivo and Ellissi a Ugo Marano—the study reveals his dynamic, anti-hierarchical approach to art, bridging French Surrealism with Italian Neo-avant-garde movements. It also introduces previously underexplored texts that challenge conventional interpretations of the period, offering new insights into Falzoni’s influence on Italian cultural discourse.
Il paesaggio terrazzato vitato in Italia
Italian terraced vineyard landscapes, such as those along the Amalfi Coast, represent a dynamic interplay between human ingenuity and ecological resilience. These 'built landscapes' have sustained marginal regions for centuries by integrating agricultural productivity with cultural and environmental functions. However, contemporary challenges—including agricultural abandonment, hydrogeological risks, tourism pressure, and climate change—threaten their survival. The study highlights that these terraces are not relics but living systems where traditional practices and modern technology can coexist sustainably. Their preservation depends on multifaceted governance strategies that balance agricultural needs, ecological protection, and cultural heritage. By serving as 'laboratories' for sustainable development, these landscapes offer critical insights for the future of Mediterranean rural areas.
Boosting intellectual capital and digital maturity of SMEs: an investigation of enterprises in an Italian Southern tourist district
A significant correlation exists between intellectual capital and digital maturity among SMEs in the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast Tourist District, Italy. The study identifies that data-driven leadership styles enhance innovation, while components of intellectual capital—such as decision-making competences, management style, and business networks—differentially influence digital maturity. This finding provides actionable insights for SMEs to strategically adopt digital transitions, with broader implications for policymakers and regional competitiveness. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative focus groups with quantitative structured interviews and logistic regression analysis across 94 companies, offering a nuanced understanding of the digital landscape in this context.
Magnetic and GPR Data Modelling via Multiscale Methods in San Pietro in Crapolla Abbey, Massa Lubrense (Naples)
A groundbreaking study successfully mapped the buried ruins of San Pietro in Crapolla Abbey, a significant medieval religious site along Italy's Sorrento-Amalfi Coast. Using magnetic and GPR (Ground-Penetrating Radar) measurements, researchers identified vaulted rooms and structural walls at depths of 0.3 meters below the surface. The study employed advanced multiscale methods, including discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for magnetic data processing and depth conversion techniques for GPR data. These findings were validated during archaeological excavations, which uncovered a wall precisely where the models had predicted it to be. This integrated approach offers a robust method for imaging buried structures in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing critical insights that guide conservation efforts.
Naples and the Amalfi Coast
A documentary titled 'Naples and the Amalfi Coast' explores the complex relationship between tourism and local life in one of Italy's most iconic regions. It highlights how while tourism brings economic benefits, it also imposes significant challenges, such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and limited public access to beaches. The film presents perspectives from locals who navigate these issues, including a resident of Capri who finds solitude by escaping the tourist crowds. Despite the drawbacks, the documentary suggests that locals generally view tourism as mutually beneficial, though it acknowledges the costs to their way of life. Produced in 2023 and directed by Céline Missoffe, the film is recommended for its insightful portrayal of the dynamics between tourism and local communities.
Villae d’otium della Penisola sorrentino-amalfitana. Un confronto tra la Villa San Marco a Stabiae e la Villa marittima di Minori in Costiera Amalfitana
A comparative analysis of two ancient coastal villas—Villa San Marco near Stabiae and the maritime villa in Minori on the Amalfi Coast—reveals how architectural design adapts to distinct landscape and geomorphological conditions. The study highlights that while both villas share common architectural roots, their structures diverge significantly based on local terrain and accessibility constraints. Villa San Marco, situated on Varano Hill with proximity to Stabiae, reflects a more integrated relationship with its urban context, whereas the isolated villa in Minori, historically accessible only by sea, exhibits unique adaptations to its coastal setting. This research underscores the influence of site-specific factors on the evolution of non-urban architectural complexes along the Campanian coast.
Chemical characterization of four ancient white wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from the Amalfi coast
Four ancient white wine grape varieties from the Amalfi coast—Fenile, Ginestra, Pepella, and Ripoli—exhibit distinct chemical profiles that can differentiate them and inform winemaking practices. Ripoli grapes are notably rich in quercetin derivatives while low in kaempferol derivatives, whereas Pepella contains equal amounts of both. Fenile and Ginestra show a twofold abundance of quercetins over kaempferols. The study also revealed higher concentrations of (+)-catechin than (–)-epicatechin across all varieties, with B-type procyanidins being more prevalent in Pepella and Ripoli. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic acids were identified, along with flavanols up to decamers in grape seeds, providing insights into their galloylation percentage. This chemical characterization offers a foundation for developing tailored vinification techniques to enhance wine quality while preserving the unique terroir identity of these autochthonous varieties.
Di pietre e d’acqua. La conservazione del patrimonio proto-industriale nel paesaggio culturale della Costiera Amalfitana
The Amalfi Coast faces complex challenges in conserving its proto-industrial heritage—including paper mills, ironworks, and hydraulic structures—amidst natural constraints. A critical assessment reveals that while the region's Management Plan prioritizes knowledge, protection, conservation, enhancement, and communication of cultural heritage, these efforts must address the vulnerabilities of largely abandoned industrial sites. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to recognize the specificities of these proto-industrial elements and mitigate their intrinsic risks, ensuring sustainable preservation within the broader cultural landscape.
Strategie per la conservazione integrata di un patrimonio a rischio, tra fruizione e tutela: il sito UNESCO della Costiera Amalfitana
Integrated conservation strategies for the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, a cultural landscape at risk due to rapid transformations since the mid-20th century, are proposed. The study highlights the need to balance heritage protection with sustainable tourism, addressing both natural and anthropogenic threats. By analyzing historical changes and contemporary challenges, it offers actionable frameworks for preserving this globally significant site while ensuring its accessibility and cultural relevance. This approach builds on the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, expanding protections to include dynamic landscapes facing ecological and developmental pressures.
Il "mostro" di Fuenti. Una storia ambientale e di impegno civile
Post-war Italy's landscape faced systematic destruction due to unchecked urban speculation, exacerbated by the lack of urban planning and fragmented administrative oversight. This study highlights a specific case on the Amalfitana Coast: the 'Fuenti Monster,' an illegally built hotel that stood for three decades before its demolition in 2005, following relentless legal battles and civil protests. The research underscores the pivotal role of environmental advocacy groups, particularly Italia Nostra, in challenging such ecomostri (environmental monstrosities). Drawing on archival materials from the Fondazione Biblioteca Benedetto Croce and the Comune di Napoli, the study reconstructs this historical struggle, offering insights into the intersection of environmental degradation, urban planning failures, and civic engagement.
Proposal of a Coastal Ferry Using Last Hybrid Technology for Green Transportation in Touristic Areas
A proposed coastal ferry design leverages hybrid technology to minimize environmental impact while maximizing passenger capacity, addressing growing transportation needs in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study combines state-of-the-art propulsion systems with hull resistance data, focusing on a traditional displacement hull for optimal efficiency. By integrating advanced generators, variable-speed propulsion, and next-generation batteries—prioritizing safety—researchers aim to achieve high energy efficiency while reducing emissions. The approach also explores energy distribution strategies, including shore-based solutions, to further enhance sustainability. This innovative design could set a benchmark for eco-friendly transportation in fragile coastal areas.
Rediscovering tradition through representation: the vaulted house of the Amalfi Coast.
A new study reveals that the vaulted houses of the Amalfi Coast, characterized by their unique stone construction and roof extrados, hold significant historical and aesthetic value. These structures, shaped by medieval isolation and maritime trade, embody a blend of Mediterranean traditions and cultural influences. Through detailed architectural drawings, researchers identified key features linking these buildings to broader vernacular heritage while highlighting their inspiration for artists during the Grand Tour. The study underscores the importance of preserving this heritage to maintain the coast's harmony and splendor.
The territorial organization of the Amalfi Coast: nature and man's intervention
The Amalfi Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes of jagged mountain ridges and steep cliffs, showcases unique examples of human adaptation to challenging environmental conditions. This study reveals how the coastal and inland towns, rich in medieval historical and artistic heritage, have expanded while maintaining harmony with the natural terrain. By analyzing both natural and anthropogenic components, the research provides insights into the territorial organization that has shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site over centuries. The approach combines geographical analysis with historical context to understand the interplay between nature and human intervention, offering a comprehensive view of the region's evolution.
Vernacular architecture of the Amalfi coast: a medieval domus in Villa Rufolo in Ravello (Italy)
A rare, untransformed medieval domus from the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 12th century, has been studied for its architectural and historical significance. This building, located within Villa Rufolo in Ravello, represents an early example of vernacular architecture that evolved from primitive stone constructions with barrel vaults, often linked to olive groves or vineyards. The domus is notable for retaining original features such as dry masonry walls, fireplaces, Arab baths, and cisterns, reflecting its strong connection to the region's orography and medieval lifestyle. Researchers reconstructed its original configuration using archive documents and recent discoveries, providing insights into the continuous evolution of this building typology. The study also cataloged heritage elements still in the process of being uncovered.
Aree interne e beni culturali: il patrimonio dismesso in Costiera Amalfitana
Abandoned cultural heritage, particularly from the proto-industrial era linked to milling and paper production, remains undervalued in the inland areas of Costiera Amalfitana, despite its historical significance. This study maps and documents these disused structures, offering a framework for their potential economic revitalization through complementary tourism. Using census-based methods, geographic location analysis, and photographic documentation, researchers identified a rich but neglected material and immaterial heritage that could enhance the region's tourist offerings beyond its coastal appeal.
Femmene minute cu' 'a forza 'e 'nu gigante (little women with a giant's power) in the terraced landscape of Amalfi Coast.
A deep-rooted, symbiotic bond between women and the terraced landscape of the Amalfi Coast has been revealed, showcasing how rural women—termed 'Furmechelle' or 'little ants'—have sustained this unique environment through centuries. The study highlights their pivotal role in agricultural labor during prolonged male absences, fostering high autonomy and intricate knowledge of the terrain. Women’s endurance and pride in their work ('Avimmo faticato sempre') persist today, offering a potential model for landscape conservation. The research combines qualitative interviews with older women and ethnographic analysis to uncover this historical and cultural dynamic.
Innovative method for linking anthropisation process to vulnerability
An 800% increase in man-made infrastructures along the Amalfi Coast, particularly in Minori, has been linked to heightened vulnerability to debris flows. This finding emerges from a study comparing photogrammetric datasets from 1956 and 2017, which revealed that while terraced areas remained stable, their surroundings experienced significant anthropogenic changes. Researchers utilized digital elevation models, orthophotos, and the normalized remaining vegetation index to assess vulnerability. The study also employed object-based image analysis (OBIA) to extract terraced regions, providing a novel method for linking human modifications to environmental risks.
Learning from vernacular settlements. The role of traditional mitigation measures in Amalfi Coast
Traditional vernacular settlements along the Amalfi Coast, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, demonstrate remarkable structural resilience, surviving centuries despite natural and human-induced threats. This study reveals that these settlements incorporate sophisticated, often overlooked protective measures—such as constructive devices—that have ensured their longevity. By analyzing a wide range of historical mitigation techniques, researchers aim to extract actionable insights for modern conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into future recovery, preservation, and maintenance strategies.
Modelling the Maritime Cultural Landscape of the Costiera Amalfitana: The First Three Seasons of Research (2016–2018)
A surprising dearth of pre-modern maritime cultural heritage was uncovered during the first three seasons (2016–2018) of a multi-disciplinary project modeling the maritime landscape of Italy’s UNESCO-listed Costiera Amalfitana. Despite extensive archival, museum documentation, and geomorphological research, few underwater artifacts from this period were found, suggesting either limited preservation or different patterns of human activity than previously assumed. The study’s approach combined fieldwork with historical analysis to map tangible and intangible elements of the region’s maritime heritage, though its preliminary findings raise new questions about the area’s underwater archaeology—particularly in the Marine Protected Area west of Positano—where further research is needed.
P.A.S.T. in Coast Project: A Tool for the Research and Enhancement of Prehistoric Archaeology on the Amalfi Coast
The P.A.S.T. in Coast Project introduces a groundbreaking approach to studying prehistoric and protohistoric archaeology on the Amalfi Coast by leveraging open-source GIS databases for data analysis and integration. This method enhances the legibility of often obscured archaeological sites while providing both scientific insights and sociocultural value. The project combines old data with new information to create a comprehensive tool that supports research and preservation efforts in this culturally rich landscape.
Pulpiti in Costiera Amalfitana: cappelle private, contenitori di icone e reliquie
A notable proliferation of pulpits, some in stucco, linked to aristocratic lay patrons on the Amalfi Coast, reveals their ideological potential as liturgical furniture. These pulpits serve multiple functions: they amplify the divine voice, symbolize personal redemption and political/social roles, and house icons and relics, reflecting the donors' desire for salvation while asserting their influence in the community. The study highlights how these structures, often commissioned by aristocratic patrons, blend religious devotion with personal and communal power dynamics, offering a unique lens to understand medieval communication tools.
Risk factors and plant management activities for the terraced agricultural systems on the Amalfi coast (Italy): an interdisciplinary approach
Active agriculture is critical for preserving the terraced landscapes of the Amalfi Coast. The study found that maintenance activities—such as controlling vegetation and managing water drainage systems—directly influence terrace stability and cultural heritage conservation. These practices, identified through interviews with local farmers and vegetation surveys, counteract threats from abandonment and climate change, particularly increased heavy rainfall. Hemicryptophytes, prevalent in terraces with frequent interventions, play a key role in slope stabilization. The research highlights the importance of sustained agricultural management to safeguard these traditional landscapes.
From fragmentation to collaboration in tourism promotion: an analysis of the adoption of IMC in the Amalfi coast
A fragmented approach to tourism promotion hinders the effectiveness of marketing efforts, even in renowned destinations. This study proposes that an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy can foster collaboration among stakeholders, leading to more effective tourism promotion and a stronger community identity. Using Collaboration Theory and Constructivist Grounded Theory, researchers analyzed interviews with key players from the Amalfi Coast region in Italy. The findings suggest that adopting IMC principles can help local stakeholders overcome fragmentation, build a cohesive place brand, and sustain long-term tourist interest. This approach not only enhances tourism promotion but also strengthens community relationships, providing a model for other fragmented tourism contexts.
Un viaggio attraverso la Costiera Amalfitana
A strong sense of identity and pride among residents of the Amalfi Coast, reinforced by UNESCO recognition, plays a pivotal role in sustaining cultural heritage and driving tourism growth. This study highlights how local communities actively promote their region despite economic disparities, such as the North-South divide, to attract visitors. The research confirms that foreign tourists prioritize the region's natural beauty and cultural appeal over socio-economic challenges, contributing to its rise in global recognition—Positano, for instance, earned a spot in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. Statistical data on tourism trends further validate this upward trajectory, underscoring the interplay between heritage preservation, local initiative, and international appeal.
In-between soil erosion and sustainable land management: climate aridity and vegetation in a traditional agro-forest system (Costiera Amalfitana, southern Italy)
A study on the Amalfi Coast reveals that bioclimatic delineation is crucial for sustainable land management, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion. Researchers analyzed long-term climate data (1959–1999) from 28 stations, correlating rainfall and temperature patterns with topography, vegetation cover, and erosion. Using geographic information systems and multivariate statistics, they derived bioclimatic indicators and identified challenges in their methodology, proposing solutions to enhance accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate data with physical and biological factors to inform policies for complex socio-ecological systems, offering a framework for mitigating erosion risks while preserving traditional agro-forest landscapes.
Valutazione e mappatura dei servizi culturali nei paesaggi terrazzati. Il caso studio della Costiera Amalfitana
A study on the UNESCO-listed terrazzato landscapes of the Amalfi Coast reveals that these 'living evolving cultural landscapes' are at risk due to changing socio-economic conditions, threatening their sustainability. The research identifies and maps cultural ecosystem services (ESS) using a multi-criteria valuation approach combined with spatial analysis via GIS, integrating local community input through semi-structured questionnaires and collaborative mapping tools like Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). This method allows for the visualization of complex human-landscape relationships, providing actionable insights for conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation while engaging local stakeholders in sustainable management strategies.
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