The paving of ancient paths, testimony of an ancient culture: recovery of a traditional route in Genoa (Liguria, Italy)

Abstract

[EN] One of the characteristic features of villages and towns is the paths that run through them. These often bear the traces of an ancient culture, which is manifested both in the materials used and in the construction and maintenance practices implemented in different territories. Rediscovering these traces is essential to understanding and safeguarding this significant component of the material history, which is often distorted or obliterated during urban interventions, owing to lack of knowledge. This paper presents a project for the enhancement and recovery of one of the traditional routes that run through Genoa from the coast to the mountains. These so-called "crêuze" are frequently made up of a central strip of bricks flanked by cobble-stones. In rainy weather, these bricks facilitate the passage of people, while proper drainage is ensured by the cambered profile and the cobble-stone side channels, which slow down the flow of water. To maximise the durability of these paths, both the construction techniques and the wise choice of materials and their processing were fundamental. Thus, this research also aims to ascertain the durability of the different materials used through their compositional and physical analysis. Awareness of the material culture that enabled such a high level of expertise to be achieved in the construction of these particular paths constitutes a valuable resource for correct interventions. The project involves private and public partners and also provides an opportunity to protect the territory through the proper management of water. In the past, water management was well organized. However, the various urban stratifications have given rise to evident problems.