The seaport structure of S. Benedetto del Tronto (Marche) between the recovery of the history and prospects of development

The seaport of San Benedetto del Tronto, whose infrastructures represented one of the most important assets of the Marche region, is currently in a serious state of decline. In ancient times, fishing boats landed directly on the beach, with a significant waste of time and resources for leaving the shore and for taking the ships back to the land. In the early years of the 20th century, two small structures (the northern and the southern pier), were build perpendicular to the coastline. Between 1930 and 1939, motor boats became widely used; the seaport was significantly rearranged for these ships needed a flat water basin, a deeper sea bottom and accessible docks. Between 1940 and 1945 the port and the whole navy of San Benedetto were struck by severe bombings, depicted by a number of old pictures. During the post-war period, the damaged piers were rebuild while the fishing fleet, almost totally destroyed, were reformed. In the 60s, the fleet was further developed in order to expand its activity to Mediterranean and Oceanic routes. As a result, new modifications were carried out to the port. On March 30th 1968, the Municipality issued the “Proposta di Aggiornamento del Piano Regolatore e Ampliamento del Porto di San Benedetto del Tronto” [Proposal for the Updating of the Urban and Expansion Plan of the Seaport of San Benedetto del Tronto]. However, due to the fishing activities' decrease, this plan had a limited effectiveness. A deep rethinking is currently needed, implying the conservation of the port facilities. This approach could bring to the regeneration of the entire area, through the rediscovery of the fishing traditions, seen as a part of eno-gastronomic and touristic systems.