The reuse of Caprera’s coastal batteries and other decommissioned military sites in Gallura (Sardinia)

The defensive system of the Archipelago of La Maddalena (Sardinia-Italy) constitutes a significant testimony to the evolution of the Italian national defence system, with particular reference to the period of the establishment of the maritime Piazzaforte in La Maddalena in 1883. The gradual decommissioning of the post-unitarian coastal batteries, and their transfer from state property to the regional administration, allows us to prefigure different scenarios for their possible future use for civil purposes and support for the tourist economy. The Archipelago is still profoundly affected by the loss of the historical military role and the unfortunate events that led to the displacement of the previously planned 2008 G8 summit; therefore it is dramatically urgent to focus on the opportunity given by the restoration and reuse of this heritage. The reference framework emerging from the study of the qualities of the artefacts reinforces the awareness of the enormous historical and landscape value of the system of the strongholds of La Maddalena of La Maddalena, while raising questions concerning its conservation in the medium and long term.