The Complexity of Heritage in Modern Day Genoa and Cinque Terre

Italy, a country containing more heritage and beauty then one can almost imagine. In our short time here we have seen indescribable beauty in the port city of Genoa, in addition to the five small Mediterranean towns within the Cinque Terre. What's become immediately clear is the vast amount of medieval buildings spread throughout each town, all of which tell their own story of the complex past, heritage, and people that live here currently and in the past.

Prior to embarking on our trip to Italy we examined an article entitled "The Economics of Heritage," an article that described the two types of heritage in Sicily, which were determined to be built heritage and museums. This heritage reflects both local interests and identities, a reflection of what once was and has become. Additionally, it is made clear that heritage is not intentionally produced but rather is a long term growth of items that have become a deeper significance, examples of this in the city of Genoa were the former gate to the city of Genoa (top picture) and Christopher Columbus' house (bottom house).

These heritage sites are monitored by so called "heritage authorities" who control regulation, policy, and administration and expenditure of the sites. Truly, the value of heritage is difficult to measure, we can't simply place a market price on an Columbus' home, but authorities must attempt to set a value in order to gather support from the public through taxes which enables the sites to be maintained. Unfortunately, what we could clearly note in both Genoa and Vernazza, is that there is so much heritage in the cities that it is seemingly impossible to preserve all of it. Over time many of the sites look to be degrading and continue to be replaced by more modern and so called "practical" sites. Certainly it is a political struggle to choose with heritage sites to fund as there are so many. This heritage continues to remain connected to the identity of the Italian people, and it is something that not only they should care about but we should care about as well, for without such heritage we lose so much of the history contained within Italy.

So far the journey within Italy has been incredible. We have experienced wonderful food, listened to many interesting presenters, and every day there seems to be a new adventure!