Archaeological Park of Sybaris, ITALY

The archaeological site of Sybaris is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Italy. Only partially excavated, the site includes the remains of the archaic settlement founded in the 7th century BCE and destroyed by Kroton in the 6th century, the classical city layout designed by Hyppodomus of Miletus, and the later Roman settlement.

The site faces the challenge of groundwater covering most of the remains and by the flooding of the River Crati.

Although the site has recently benefited from a major investment to improve the conservation, accessibility and enhancement of the remains, it remains endangered. The threat of rising groundwater levels as a result of climate change could further deteriorate the situation.

The nomination by Italia Nostra highlights the need for a more effective governance and management of heritage and touristic potentials. The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered has shortlisted the Archaeological Park of Sybaris to aid in defining immediate and mid-term effective actions. The decision of the Advisory Panel came a few days before the Italian Ministry of Culture granted the site a new status to enhance appropriate management of the archaeological park and museum.