Cosenza restores historic Fontana del Balilla

The historic Fontana del Balilla, located in Piazza Crispi, has been returned to the city of Cosenza following a comprehensive conservation and restoration project. The monument, which was inaugurated in 1934, had suffered damage from weathering, water infiltration, and the oxidation of its internal metal structures.

The restoration was the result of a collaboration between the Municipality of Cosenza and the University of Calabria. The project was conducted free of charge as part of university research activities, led by Mattia Brian Rago under the supervision of Professor Antonio Barbera. The process utilized innovative techniques, including biopurification and three-dimensional technologies, to restore the work's decorum and legibility.

A handover ceremony was held in attendance of Mayor Franz Caruso, representatives from the University of Calabria, and officials from the Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the province of Cosenza.