Industrial heritage, collective identity and eco-museums: the case-study of Floristella-Grottacalda mining site

Lack of values and sloppiness characterize our territories, even if they are full of cultural resources, as in Enna. A spread heritage often left to itself, no longer or only few integrated into the active life of places. However, dispersed in a landscape of rare beauty, significant examples of an important chapter in the Sicilian history, connected to the historical exploitation of its large sulfurous deposits, rise. Among these, the Floristella and Grottacalda mining site, located not far from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Villa Romana del Casale, is one of the most expressive examples of industrial archeology in Southern Italy. In this area, still visible and dramatically evocative are the signs of several ages as well as the systems and methods of mining and sulfur melting. Only partially located within protected enclosures and managed by a park governing body that should take care of its safeguarding, this place appears quite “distant” from people who do not ”recognize themselves” in it. Nevertheless, if properly protected and promoted - i.e. in the framework of an eco-museum structure - and connected to the territory; when studied for scientific and educational reasons, in close collaboration with the community and in synergy with the Institutions, such heritage would be a very useful tool for the reinforcement of identities among the population. It will also help to increase cultural and environmental heritage awareness, collaborating for its preservation.