Destino delle città storiche nell’esperienza della seconda ricostruzione in Francia. Uno sguardo italiano e una prospettiva di comparazione

Within the context of a research program on a comparative history of the architectural heritage inFrance and Italy, the reconstruction plans implemented after World War II are particularly suitableexamples when examining how interventions on historical urban fabrics were developed in the twocountries.The aftermath of WWII was a critical point in time, not only due to the extent of the reconstructiontask that was to be undertaken, but even more so because of the results that influenced planningprocedures and protective measures for the historical centres in France for several decades to come.Several factors influenced the choices made during the post-war period. Decisions were closely intertwinedwith the specific traditions of heritage protection in each country, with restoration and historiographyof architecture, and also with housing policies and modernization programs, which theIV Republic promoted. Finally, we have to consider the instruments for war-damage compensationand reorganization of land ownership, which played a crucial role within the State-controlled urbanreconstruction.In spite of international charters, official declarations and the efforts made to create and apply commonprinciples and international operational guidelines, during the post-war period the heritage traditionsof the two countries definitely diverged.