Italian Companies Return to Libya’s Benghazi for Historic Centre Restoration

The Italian-Libyan Chamber of Cooperation is set to return to Benghazi on Monday, September 28, for field assessments focused on the city’s historic centre and other reconstruction projects, in coordination with engineers from Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund.

The delegation will be led by Chamber President Nicola Colicchi and Director Francesco Moraca, alongside representatives from Italian companies specialising in restoration, engineering and construction.

The mission includes Pasqualucci, Piacenti, Europa Engineering and Renco, as well as engineer Paolo Capaldini, who has previously worked on restoration projects in areas affected by the earthquake in Italy’s Abruzzo region.

The visit follows the Benghazi Urban exhibition, held from September 6 to 8 and dedicated to the reconstruction of the city. More than 40 Italian companies, professionals and organisations took part, making it the largest foreign delegation at the event.

Benghazi’s historic centre is a key focus of the cooperation. The area contains significant examples of Italian architectural heritage dating back to the 20th century and suffered extensive damage during Libya’s conflict between 2014 and 2017, as well as subsequent demolitions.

More than 150 buildings of architectural value have reportedly been identified in the area, including the cathedral, historic banking buildings and the Italian consulate. The Berenice Theatre, designed by Italian architects Marcello Piacentini and Luigi Piccinato, was demolished in 2023.

The Chamber has already presented a master plan for the historic centre, seeking to balance the preservation of Benghazi’s architectural identity with modern development requirements.

The latest field assessments form part of ongoing discussions with Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund on restoring the city centre and strengthening Italian-Libyan cooperation in reconstruction, infrastructure, engineering and cultural heritage.