Romana Kačič, Mattias Liden
REVITALISATION OF VINEYARDS IN THE TERRACED LANDSCAPE ON THE KARST RIDGE OF TRIESTE
OŽIVLJANJE VINOGRADOV V TERASASTI POKRAJINI TRŽAŠKEGA KRAŠKEGA ROBA
UDK 712.24:622.35
COBISS 1.04 prejeto 20. 12. 2011
izvleček
Starodavna krajina terasastih vinogradov v Kontovelu je zelo dragocena. Pomen celovitosti te kulturne krajine je povezan z bližino miramarskega gradu in parka ter s hkratno prisotnostjo dveh področij, vključenih v Naturo 2000. Leta 2010 smo za Tržaško deželo izdelali krajinsko poročilo, v katerem smo analizirali in ovrednotili projekt oživitve obstoječih poti z namenom izboljšati dostopnost do kmetijskih zemljišč in s tem pospešiti obdelovanje teras. Deželno poročilo vsebuje zahteve za pripravo podrobnejšega načrta. V poročilu je posebej naznačeno, da mora končni načrt upoštevati vrednost izvirnih suhozidov, ki prispevajo k avtentičnosti kulturne krajine. Ker zamenjava starega kamnitega zidu z novim ne bo nikoli dosegla izvorne avtentičnosti, priporočamo skrbno preverjanje možnosti, da na novo zgradimo suhozide z uporabo enakih tehnik in istih materialov, kadar je to potrebno zaradi razširitve poti. Uporabljeni kamni morajo biti izključno iz porušenih obstoječih zidov znotraj področja posega. Uporaba kamnov iz krajevnih leg zagotavlja popolno spoštovanje izvirnosti in barv kraja ter povečuje okoljsko vzdržnost posega.
ključne besede
obalna krajina, terase, vinogradi, suhozidi, Kras, Trst
abstract
The ancient landscape of terraced vineyards in Contovello is of great value. The importance of the integrity of this cultural landscape is linked to its proximity to the Castle and the Park of Miramare and the simultaneous presence of two Natura 2000 areas. We elaborated a landscape report for the Province of Trieste in 2010, analysing and evaluating a project aiming at recovering the functional features of the existing routes to improve access to agricultural land and thereby enhance the cultivation on the terraces. The landscape report include requirements for the preparation of detailed design. In particular the report indicates that the final design must take into account the value of the original dry stone walls which contribute to the authenticity of the cultural landscape. Since the replacement of an old stone wall with a new one will never reach the original authenticity it is advisable to check carefully the possibility of rebuilding the dry stone walls using the same techniques and the same materials where it is necessary to widen the path. The stones used must derive exclusively from the demolition of existing walls inside the area of intervention. The use of stone from the site ensures full respect for its original and the colours of the place and increases the environmental sustainability of the intervention.
key words
coastal landscape, terraces, vineyards, dry stone walls, Karst, Trieste
This article is based on the landscape report we elaborated for the Province of Trieste in 2010. The report was prepared for the application for approval of the project "Infrastructuring the Karst ridge of Trieste - First Phase" in accordance with the Italian law of 2005. The mentioned project proposed a way to recover the hillside of Contovello, Trieste, giving this area the infrastructure deemed necessary for accessibility and irrigation. The ancient landscape of terraced vineyards in Contovello is of great value. The importance of the integrity of this cultural landscape is linked to its proximity to the Castle and the Park of Miramare and the simultaneous presence of two Natura 2000 areas: the Habitats Directive Site (SCI) "Carso triestino e goriziano" and the Birds Directive Site (SPA) "Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia".
The project aims at recovering the functional features of the existing routes to improve access to agricultural land and thereby
enhance the cultivation on the terraces. The extraordinary cultural landscape would otherwise be doomed to disappear as a consequence of the process of reforestation. Since it is a highly vulnerable landscape it requires the utmost respect for the characteristics of the site.
Analysis of the current situation Territorial and landscape overview
The project site is located in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Province of Trieste, Municipality of Trieste, locality Contovello. The province of Trieste can be represented by two neighbouring bands of variable thickness: the Karst plateau and the coastal strip. The built environment consists of the city of Trieste and a number of smaller towns of ancient formation, based on predominantly agricultural or fishery related activities, located immediately around the scattered Karst plateau and the coast
Figure 1: Terraced vineyards are associated with the villages on the edge of the Karst ridge. The area of context and the area of study are highlighted in the drawing.
Slika 1: Terasasti vinogradi so povezani z vasmi na obrobju Kraškega roba. Na risbi sta poudarjeni okolno območje in proučevano območje.
and connected by widespread newly formed buildings.The landscape context identified by the centre is bordered to the east, west of the village of Duino, the countries that border the Karst ridge to the north and south of the sea. The centres included in this area have historically been characterised by being tied to the sea, despite the great differences in altitude. The villages situated on the ridge, Visogliano, Aurisina, Santa Croce, Dulanjavas and Contovello, thus form a group characterised by direct connections with the coast, such as by passing fishermen to reach fishing spots, which still mark the area.
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Figure 2: The network ofpaths shows a few connections between the Karst ridge and the sea, overcoming the barriers formed by the coastal road and the rail routes which have interrupted many of these connections. Slika 2: Mreža poti prikazuje nekaj povezav med Kraškim robom in morjem. Premagujejo ovire, kot sta obalna cesta in železniška proga, ki sta prekinili mnoge teh povezav.
Landscape context and area of study
The landscape is characterised by widespread and extensive terraces testifying the presence of ancient agricultural cultivation. In the study the partition walls and support of the terraces are made of dry sandstone and host crops mainly of vine. Among the terraces there is a network of access paths, also bordered by stone walls. The project proposes the recovery of these artefacts related to the landscape features of the area.
Figure 3: View of vineyards on the terraces above the Miramare Castle and Park.
Slika 3: Pogled na vinograde na terasah nad miramarskim gradom in parkom.
Geomorphological character
The study area extends along the sides of the coastal town of Trieste under the locality of Contovello, above the railway line
from Trieste to Venice. The altitude is approx. 100-250 m.a.s.l. The area has developed gradually in the transition zone between the limestone formation, the band of sandstone and, towards the sea, the area of the flysch. Limestones generally have low erodibility due to its compactness, and high permeability, characteristics that lead to a landscape with rounded hills. This is the case of the Karst plateau north of Contovello. Flyschlike geological structures, however, have a medium-high degree of erodibility, caused by the intense stratification and the presence of soft and non permeable marl layers, resulting in a much more rugged landscape with steep slopes and deep grooves. The morphology of the ridge is intimately linked to the type of rock. The border of the Karst ridge is of limestone, the lower band consists of sandstone with rather sweet slopes, while from an altitude of 130-170 m.a.s.l. a layer of flysch evolves with a more pronounced inclination.
Figure 4: Authentic path paved in stone connecting the Karst ridge to the Adriatic coast.
Slika 4: Prvotna, s kamni tlakovana pot, ki povezuje Kraški rob z Jadransko obalo.
Hydrological character
On the versant of the coast of Trieste there are many brooks containing high quantities of water during periods of heavy rains. Apart from areas in the valley, there is no real underground water and the presence of some sources is connected to local groundwater flow into the fissures of the rock. In the past wellsprings were exploited on a small scale, by collecting water in tanks.
The area examined is crisscrossed by four valleys crossed by small rivers of torrential character: Rio Grignano Prosecco Rio, Rio and Rio Miramare Cedas and Marinella. Within the area of study we find one of these brooks, the Rio Miramare, as well as the pond of Contovello. This pond is an element of landscape value, environmental as well as recreational. This is a small overrun of water created by sealing the bottom with clay in order to accumulate a reserve of water that was once used for grazing animals The pond is fed by small springs from the overlying layers of flysch. It appears in the cadastral maps from 1822.
Vegetational systems
The vegetation of the study area consists of Mediterranean shrub species, woodlands, vineyards and olive groves on terraces. Many cultivated areas situated on the terraces have been abandoned and therefore there is an ongoing natural process of reforestation.
The forest associations on the side of the Trieste coast consists of oak woods, dominated by Downy Oak (Ostiyo-Quercetum pubescentis) or Sessile Oak in most areas with acid soils (Sesler-Quercetum petraeae). In both cases, the undergrowth is compact and rich Sesleria autumnalis. The phase of reforestation following abandonment of crops or pastures is often characterised by the abundance of common broom (Spartium junceum). On the terraced areas there are crops, especially of vine (Vitis vinifera), and a minority of olive (Olea europaea) and fruit trees.
Agrarian landscapes
The project area is part of that portion of the Karst ridge which is characterised by steep slopes shaped into terraces. These are made up of agricultural lots of small size and quadrilateral shape, elongated perpendicular to the maximum gradient of the slope. The cultivated lots are usually separated by stone walls of sandstone. A large part of this abandoned agricultural land is currently presenting different stages of overgrowth with shrubs and stability problems, due to lack of maintenance. The historical and cultural value of the terraced landscape is considerable and it also contributes to the formation of a habitat containing species of Community interest. The cultivation of vine in the past has been an important element in the economy of the territory of Trieste, an outstanding example is the valuable vinum pucinum in Roman times. In the period between 1400 and 1500 the Empire and the municipality aimed at containment and control of the vine cultivation and the commerce of wine, so the first agricultural rules were established. The situation remained unchanged until the proclamation of the free port of 1719 which led to an increase in the population and a renewed interest in investing in wine production. The best vineyards are concentrated mainly in the Karst area between the ridge and the sea, on arenaceous-marly layer corresponding to the villages of Santa Croce, Contovello and Barcola.
Around 1630 a system of planting vine called "Friuli" was introduced, in which the plants were neatly arranged, often in rows, allowing a rational exploitation of the land. Especially in the area of Prosecco, Santa Croce and Contovello the quality of the wine was exceptionally high and it was appreciated by the upper classes throughout Europe, especially in Carinthia, Styria, Carniola and up in Graz, Linz and Prague.
Historical territorial fabric
An important iconographic source to understand the transformation over time of the terraces of Contovello is the historic land register Franceschini of 1866; cartography indicating individual lots, urban and rural areas. In 1866 the urban centres and their boundaries were clearly legible: Contovello, San Girolamo and Dolagnavaz. There was more water, the pond of Contovello was enlarged and divided into two basins, sinks, fountains and water troughs for animals were present. The map also indicates the existence of two English gardens.
The predominantly agricultural area was cultivated with vineyards and only a few parts were used as orchards, left fallow or covered with wood. The paths between the terraces were narrow and thin to maximise the acreage. Very interesting is the comparison between historical and current panoramic photographs. The first case is a shot from the Strada Napoleonica prior to 1857: the terraces extend almost
to the coast, while today you see the effects of overgrowth and urbanisation. The second case is a historical picture from a viewpoint at Contovello in 1952: the terraces are plenty and the border between urban and rural area is clear, a number of houses and a mass of cedars planted after World War II capture the view, weakening the identity of rural simplicity of the site (see Photo 6).
Figure 5: The height and proximity of the bordering stone walls form narrow and shady corridors in some sections of the paths.
Slika 5: Višina in bližina razmejitvenih kamnitih zidov na nekaterih odsekih poti tvorita ozke in senčnate koridorje.
Distribution and differentiation of the artefacts in the area of study
The project "Infrastructuring the Karst ridge of Trieste" contains a typological study of the existing stone walls of the area. These artefacts are listed by function, period of construction, type of binder material, condition and possible causes of degradation. According to the typological study of the walls we can make some important considerations. The two major types of wall represented are dry stone walls of sandstone and walls of concrete. These two materials are the cheapest ones in each period. In order to make the paths accessible for even small mechanical agricultural vehicles a substantial part of the original tissue of dry sandstone walls has to be replaced or supplemented by elements in concrete. The area of the project corresponds to the area with the most important historical artefacts. historical dry stone walls
The materials used in the past for built elements were obtained from the cleaning of stones from the fields and from the construction of trails. Unlike the Karst plateau, where the prevailing stone was limestone, the Karst ridge, up to an altitude of about 150 m.a.s.l. consists of sandstone. This sedimentary stone, grey and yellow ochre, comes in slabs with a thickness that can vary from a few centimetres to several metres. The farmers of the past have found it particularly convenient to split the sheets slotting, in order to get enough regular blocks with a characteristic elongated shape suitable for walls. In the dry stone wall there is no collaboration between the block of material and binder, which means that the structure can withstand stress due solely to its own weight. These structures are used for the containment of the land as a division between agricultural lots.
Flooring: Historically, the paving of the paths of the study area was made of clay mixed with elements of stone. The same treatment was reserved for the access ramps and terraced
properties. With the use of cars and mechanical surfaces driveways have been paved or covered with gravel. The traits in the project are still in gravel or grass and weeds. Steps: In ancient times, where it was necessary to overcome a large slope, steps were built of slabs of sandstone. In later periods the existing stone was replaced and integrated with concrete. Fences and gates: The oldest fencing fences were made of local wood, untreated and usually put in place directly by the farmers. The existing fences of today are made of various materials: metal, plastic and wood. Even the gates were originally made of wooden strips or wrought iron but today various materials are used, often impacting with the context.
Water collection: To cope with water scarcity in the summer months rainwater tanks were arranged, later supplemented by metal tanks and plastic bins.
Relation to scenic routes
The network of paths that crosses the area of terraces is indirectly connected to a larger system of touristic interest. Four trails of historical and natural interest wind through the Karst ridge and affect the area of study.
The re-qualification of two sections of paths of Contovello provided by the project, increases the use of paths in the area of study and improves the connection with the extensive network of trails on the Karst.
The degradation of the environment and the landscape
The recent development of settlements on the Karst ridge has reduced the open view towards the sea and interrupted the continuity of ecological corridors.
The abandonment of traditional cultivations on the terraces results in the loss of the qualities of the rural landscape and of biodiversity together with an increased risk of erosion. The large single-family buildings in the historical centre of Contovello have greatly reduced the visual quality of the historical settlement from many viewpoints east of the site. Next to the historical settlement cedars (Cedrus spp.) were planted in the fifties. The growth of these trees, extraneous to the context of the vegetation of the area, has greatly altered the visual perception of Contovello, first characterised by the contrast between the historical centre, well-defined on top of the hill and the terraced vineyards below.
The reduction of open spaces in favour of the forest and the urban sprawl around the old historic core are attacking the structure of the traditional landscape, characterised by sharp boundaries between different land uses, including settlements, cultivated areas and wooded areas.
Summary of significant historical events
The promontory of Contovello has always been the object of attention for its dominant position, with an open view of 360°, and for the characteristics of its agricultural land. The presence of spring water, the slopes descending to the sea exposed by the sun, protected from the cold Bora winds, the good quality of the marly soils, have inspired the construction of terraces and the cultivation of wine and olives, since remote times.
On the site there is evidence of a proto-historic settlement, with remains dating from the end of the Bronze Age and from the Iron Age. In addition, there are Roman remains discovered a hundred metres south of the top of the hill.
On top of the peak of Contovello there are remains from the castle of Moncholano. The first documentary sources regarding the fortification are from 1308. Next to the castle the existence of a church dedicated to San Gerolamo is documented from 1338. Contovello is probably the only known case in which one can determine precisely the birth of a village on the Karst. On July 30,1413 it was decided in Trieste to create a village near the castle of Moncholano where only the church of San Gerolamo existed. At first the new settlement was called Villa di San Gerolamo, and later, in 1437, the name Contovello appeared for the first time.
A pictorial representation of Contovello interesting for the landscape aspects is the etching by Gaetano Merlato, dated 1820, entitled "View of the village of Contovello from the heights of Gretta". It is a perspective representation of the hill of Contovello. In the foreground there is a road that borders the sea. On the left, two sailing boats, probably fishing boats, are delineated on the gulf. In the background emerges the Karst ridge that culminates with a rocky ridge on the right and pointed steeple of the church of Contovello in the centre. The terraces abundant with vineyards are clearly represented in this picture. Valleys traversed by brooks which descend from the mountain and groups of trees that are concentrated mainly in the roughness of the slope.
Functional and visual analysis Visual and symbolic relationships
The project was evaluated from an analysis on a regional scale, identifying the terraces that stretches from the outskirts of the city of Trieste until Aurisina, between the sea and the Karst plateau.
The extent of the Karst ridge reaches an altitude of about 250 metres above sea level, on whose line contains there is a number of important landmarks and scenic lookouts (Belvedere Italia, Monte Grisa Sanctuary, Church of San Gerolamo). In the aerial photo the extension of the terraces in Contovello is shown, above the railway line. From the sea they form the backdrop to the Park of Miramare, since the plateau behind is not visible.
Figure 6: The vineyards on terraces located between Contovello andMiramare are visible from the sea, from some points of the coast and from panoramic viewpoints in the city of Trieste.
Slika 6: Vinogradi na terasah med Kontovelom in Miramarom so vidni z morja, z nekaterih točk na obali ter z nekaterih panoramskih razglednih točk v Trstu.
Panoramic photos were taken from different points of the coast of Trieste, which highlight the profile of the Karst ridge, corresponding to the terraces and the village of Contovello.
It is therefore very important to take into account that the transformation of this part of the ridge is visible from a distance and can alter the quality of the coastal landscape.
Functional relationships
Very important is the system of roads and pedestrian paths. The main vehicular roads are the Viale Miramare, which follows the coastline, the Salita Contovello and the Strada del Friuli, reaching the villages of Contovello and Prosecco, and the Strada Napoleonica.
The ridge is a very important tourist attraction for its high cultural value and environmental qualities. For this reason many tourist itineraries have been created connecting the Slovene and the Italian Karst. Significant for the cultural history are the pedestrian paths running along the boundaries of rural lots, some of which reach the coast: the old paths once used by fishermen.
Analysis of levels of protection in the operating context and study area
The area is part of the context of the Karst designated as a site of the ecological network "Natura 2000" under the Habitats and the Birds Directive.
Figure 7: Terraces of Contovello seen from the port of Cedas. (around 1950, M. Magan).
Slika 7: Terase v Kontovelu iz pristanišča v Čedasu (okoli 1950, M. Magan).
The SCI "Carso triestino e goriziano" and the SPA "Aree carsiche della Venezia Giulia". ZPS extend within the provinces of Trieste and Gorizia. On the north the site borders on the Republic of Slovenia. The SCI/SPA, contains all types worthy of protection and conservation: Karst lands, wetlands (lakes, Karst ponds), cliffs and scree slopes, caves, fragments of vegetation (sub) Mediterranean extrazonal, limestone plateaus, rivers and halophilic area. Thanks to the fact that it is here the Mediterranean, the Alps and the Balkans converge, the Karst has an extraordinary wealth of flora and fauna.
Photographical documentation
The views towards the area of study are analysed from particularly significant viewpoints from the surrounding area. The relationship between the current situation and the past is analysed through two sets of images. The first one highlights some elements that characterise the morphology of the territory and the culture of the past.
The second establishes a direct comparison between past and present using pictures taken from a similar view in different ages.
If you compare two photographs, one from 1952 and one from 2010, transformations undergone in the area during about sixty year emerge. In particular, the loss of the definition of boundaries is noted, the disorderly building growth, the overgrowth, the loss of identity of the historical settlement of Contovello and the consequent weakening of the hierarchy between buildings and open spaces. Through the juxtaposition of two images taken near the Strada Napoleonica, the phenomenon of overgrowing is evident: the terraces which once extended to the sea are hardly visible (see Photo 6).
Figure 8: Comparison of a historical photo and a current photo from the lookout Trmadevec. The settlement of Contovello dominates the underlying areas with vineyards. (1952, M. Maganji). In the current image the urban sprawl is reducing the quality of the cultural landscape and a grove of cedars hides the settlement of Contovello partially.
Slika 8: Primerjava med staro in sedanjo fotografijo z razgledišča Trmadevec. Naselje Kontovel obvladuje nižje ležeča področja z vinogradi. (1952, M. Maganji). Na današnji fotografiji širjenje mesta zmanjšuje kakovost kulturne krajine, cedrov gaj pa delno zakriva naselje Kontovel.
Project: Description of the works to be performed
The project aims at recovering the degradation of existing interstate routes and bordering walls. The planned intervention aims at increasing the accessibility of the area, enhancing agricultural activities and ensuring the possibility of easy maintenance of the built elements.
During the final design a typical agricultural vehicle has been identified, currently used in the country, which enshrines the average characteristics. The total width of this vehicle is 1050 mm. The operations to be undertaken in accordance with the final project are of two types. The first type includes the recovery of the routes, the consolidation works of the terraces and the enlargement of the interstate roads to allow the passage of farm agricultural vehicles. The final design provides for a minimum width of 1.5 metres of the interstate roads in straight paths. In critical situations, in the presence of curves this width is increased. The second type of works, includes the demolition, excavation and restoration of paths for the installation of a water system and underground conduits for future installation of electrical cables. Along the route there will be pitches for the exchange and for the parking of agricultural vehicles, for temporary storage of materials and seating and information will be provided for tourists. For the retention of rainwater runoff along the route of the project will feature works reducing the water flow speed and accumulating water in underground tanks.
Identification of the project compared to the existing situation overlap
The project has been overlaid on the regional cartography and aerial photos to identify the network of paths. Historical research making use of photographic documentation and literature available and tables of the Franceschino land register was also carried out.
Comparison and identification of works in relation to the Franceschino land register
The current topographical structure given by the dry stone walls, and the division in terraces has been compared to the situation in the middle of the nineteenth century, recreated by means of the drawings of the land register of 1866. A remarkable state of preservation of the original structure emerges, while the change in land use has led to a progressive reforestation of the area. The proposed intervention, following the divisions of the agricultural lots respects the subdivision of the area. The width of current paths winding within dry stone walls, is in some cases very narrow (50-80 cm) a direct consequence of the morphology but also of the original function.
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Figure 9: Comparison of areas cultivated by vine - overlap between aerial photo of2005 with the Franceschino land register 1866. White areas in the drawing correspond to vineyards of 1866. From the overlap is noted that the network of paths has remained almost unchanged while the surface of vineyards is very reduced.
Slika 9: Primerjava vinorodnih območij - prekrivanje zračnega posnetka iz leta 2005 s Franciscejskim katastrom iz leta 1866. Beli predeli na risbi označujejo vinograde leta 1866. Prekrivanje pokaže, da je mreža poti ostala skoraj nespremenjena, medtem ko se je površina vinogradov zelo skrčila.
Comparison and identification of the project compared to the existing situation
The project has been compared with the existing situation with particular attention paid to the historical paths existing in the territory.
Figure 10: Long stone stairs between the dry stone walls of the terraces. Slika 10: Dolge kamnite stopnice med suhozidi teras.
The project analysed proposes, for functional reasons, an extension of the width of the paths replacing existing partitions with reinforced concrete coated with sandstone. The project provides some pitches for operation of mechanical equipment, pitches that also serve as a resting place and panoramic terrace. These points now have a form dictated primarily by functional requirements, in contradiction with the topography of the territory.
The reasons for the architectural language adopted in reference to local tradition
The proposed intervention will connect to the network of nature trails of the Karst, thus helping to enrich the offer. Special attention is being given to the points of junction with the existing paths.
Elements for assessment of landscape compatibility Compliance with the intervention compared to the levels of protection in the operating context and study area
The proposed intervention compiles with the levels of protection as indicated in urban plans regarding the area.
The effects of the intervention on the surrounding landscape and on the area of intervention The evaluation of landscape compatibility concerns both the area of intervention and the surrounding landscape, both during construction and after construction. In the evaluation it is important to take into account the improvements which the realisation will bring to the entire system of terraces through the resumption of cultivation. The preservation of this cultural landscape requires active cultivation. The abandonment of cultivation and subsequent reforestation are the main causes of the process, going on for years, which is reducing the extension of the cultivated landscape of the terraces.
Figure 11: Comparison between the existing situation and the proposal. The visual impact of the pitches is clear.
Slika 11: Primerjava med obstoječo situacijo in predlogom. Vizualni vtis strmin je jasen.
The authenticity of the route before and after the intervention has also been evaluated, authenticity being considered the value of preservation of historical artefacts that contribute to landscape value.
The intervention inevitably affects the points just mentioned. The realisation of the project does not substantially alter the visual perception considering the points of view distant to the area of study (Colle di San Giusto, Viale Miramare, Faro dela Vittoria, Belvedere Italia and Strada Napoleonica). Considering scenic routes near the area of intervention, there is a disturbance of the visual perception due to the interruption of the continuity of linear walls created by the lay-bys.
Thanks to the use of photomontages the effects of the realisation were compared with the current situation, both for phase 1 and phase 2. The images show the enhancement of the site as a result of maintenance, in particular recovery compared to the current situation of degradation with walls overgrown by weeds. The enlargement of the path alters the proportions between the path and the bordering walls.
The coating of the walls is an important aspect for the evaluation of landscape compatibility. The final design is based on a solid documentation of the existing situation through a typological study of the walls, an accurate and precise documentation of the state of preservation and stability of existing walls. The maintenance of existing walls is assessed where it is possible. In short, the existing walls are demolished and rebuilt only in the units considered unsafe, and in the collapsed sections of wall
sections where it is necessary to widen the roadway to achieve the width of 1.5 m which is considered necessary. According to an audit of the project it was noted that in phase 1 approximately 60% of existing walls are maintained, while in the area of phase 2 around 54%.
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Figure 12: The authenticity of the current network ofpaths is high. Slika 12: Današnja mreža poti je zelo podobna prvotni.
Figure 13: The authenticity of the network ofpaths will be reduced following the implementation of the project.
Slika 13: Avtentičnost mreže poti se bo po izvedenem projektu zmanjšala.
The landscape transformation is irreversible in the case of demolition of ancient walls. Other interventions are reversible. Regarding the visual quality the effect will be more significant in a short term, while in a medium-and long-term the development of the vegetation will make a less obvious contrast between walls and rebuilt existing walls. The effects of the transformations during the construction will be substantial but, given that the work will be concentrated over a limited time, the operation should not be too burdensome. The effects of the intervention when built will provide benefits for the maintenance and recovery of traditional agricultural activities in the area. The most significant changes to the landscape are those concerning the pitches. Considering the system of paths and the settlement of Contovello, any change will have an impact, however small, on the landscape as a whole.
The works of mitigation and compensation provided
The area of study deserves a management plan considering the high landscape values, the natural and historical-cultural values. The most significant values are those of vine cultivation
on terraces, documented in the area since the year 1308, but probably existing in the site already in the Roman period. Some routes passing through the cultural landscape may also be advertised, routes exploring the peculiarities of local and fostering a better knowledge of the territory by citizens. As a compensatory measure to the inevitable changes related to the project an intervention on the sections of walls made of concrete in the post-war period is proposed, currently of scarce value, through an operation of coating the wall with stones retrieved for better visual integration.
Figure 14 and 15: Comparison between the existing situation and the proposal. Simulation based on photographs showing the visual impact of the intervention. Sliki 14 in 15: Primerjava med obstoječo situacijo in predlogom. Simulacija s pomočjo fotografij prikazuje vizualni vtis posega.
Requirements for the preparation of detailed design
In particular, the final design must take into account the value of the original dry stone walls which contribute to the authenticity of the cultural landscape. The replacement of an old stone wall with a new one will never reach the original authenticity of the existing wall. It is advisable to check carefully the possibility of rebuilding the dry stone walls using the same techniques and the same materials where it is necessary to widen the path. It is important to specify in the final project the need to employ skilled labour and stress that the construction supervision will control the good correspondence between new and ancient artefacts. In the event that the construction of new concrete walls is absolutely necessary in some section, the coating must be done with utmost care and respect of traditional methods of laying. The stones used must derive exclusively from the demolition of
existing walls inside the area of intervention. The use of stone from the site ensures full respect for its original and the colours of the place and increases the environmental sustainability of the intervention. In this regard, it is not necessary to resort to external supplies with consequent reductions in costs of supply and transport of materials.
As for the paving of the paths compacted soil or local sandstone without concrete should be used. In addition it is recommended not to use concrete on the access ramps to the lots. For particularly pronounced slopes it is advised to use steps of sandstone, without the use of concrete. For fences and gates local handcrafted wood is indicated, possibly made from twigs on the ground, wrought iron elements and materials tied to tradition. It is suggested not to carry out the project providing the conduits for the subsequent installation of electrical cables. The landscape value of the study area is given largely by the cultivation of the vine on terraces with traditional eco-friendly techniques which do not require a fixed power supply. The availability of water and electricity could be an incentive to a future urbanisation and to the introduction of non-traditional crops and therefore cause a degradation of environmental quality.
Suggestions for territorial planning
Considering the high landscape value, environmental, historical and cultural features of the ancient terraced slope around Contovello, the development of an integrated plan to recover the values that are disappearing due to abandonment of cultivation and subsequent reforestation is suggested.
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Romana Kačič kacicliden@mac.com KačičLiden Landscape Architects, Trieste, Italy
Mattias Liden, MSc kacicliden@mac.com KačičLiden Landscape Architects, Trieste, Italy