Six pine trees felled at Ravenna’s Galla Placidia UNESCO site

On June 24‑25, six monumental pine trees surrounding the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna were cut down. The diocese of Ravenna‑Cervia announced a closure of the complex for June 25‑26 and posted signs indicating “pruning works”.

The removal was authorized by the heritage superintendency, the prefecture, the forest service and the municipal green office after technical assessments by agronomists and engineers deemed the trees a serious collapse risk in extreme weather. The diocese said the action protects citizens, staff and tourists and preserves the monument for future generations.

Local environmental groups (Italia Nostra Ravenna and “Save the Pines of Lido di Savio”) protested, claiming the “pruning” signs were a ruse to hide an intended removal and criticizing the last‑minute ordinances. They quoted: “Una dinamica già vista a Lido di Savio…” and “Nessuno pensa che un albero valga più di un sito Unesco…”. Activists demanded access to the reports and a second expert opinion, but received no response.

The diocese announced a replanting project for new trees pending further authorizations.