Geological and Cultural Heritage in Urban Areas: Interconnections, Challenges and Opportunities

This study examines the challenges of conserving and enhancing geological and historical cultural heritage in urban areas of the southern Apennines, focusing on the Basilicata region in Southern Italy. The area’s complex geological evolution has produced diverse landscapes shaped by outcropping lithologies with different characteristics. Many urban centers are surrounded by rugged terrain where geological and geomorphological features remain visible and accessible. The research analyzes several urban geosites through four case studies: Pietragalla, Laurenzana, Brienza, and Lagonegro, located in northeastern and central Basilicata. These sites display significant geological features closely connected with historical structures and urban development, offering strong potential for geoheritage interpretation. By combining a bibliographic review of geological and socio-cultural contexts with detailed field surveys, site-specific features and potential threats can be identified. The main objectives are to document and analyze geological characteristics, assess conservation conditions, and propose geoconservation measures for protection and sustainable use. The study also supports valorization strategies, promoting sustainable geotourism and increasing public awareness. The results emphasize the importance of integrating restoration actions with educational initiatives to ensure sustainable management, provide guidelines for site enhancement, encourage community involvement, and show how valorization of urban geological heritage can strengthen identity and support heritage conservation.