Ricerc@Sapienza

This paper is the result of a long-lasting research experience dedicated to topics related to urban seismic
risk, addressed at promoting a radical shift towards an approach in which seismic risk, a fundamental feature
of the best part of Italian territories, is no longer considered as an ‘unexpected’ event and may be included in the
structural components every spatial planning choice should take into account. Emergency policies, which have
always prevailed in Italy, besides being very controversial as for the decision making processes and the choices

This examination proposes a critical interpretation of some restoration and rehabilitation works of the fortifications constituting the Terminio – Cervialto’s defence line, in the southern region of Italy called Alta Irpinia (AV): the castles of Quaglietta, Volturara, Castelvetere sul Calore and Taurasi.