Geological Hazards and Cultural Heritage: the 2014 San Leo Landslide (Northern Apennines, Italy) and Its Implications

Ten years ago, on 27 February 2014, the town of San Leo, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, experienced a tragic landslide event that captured both national and international attention. Perched atop a towering limestone cliff, San Leo is renowned not only for its impressive medieval fortress and rich cultural heritage, but also for its geologically unstable location. The landslide, which saw a significant portion of the north-eastern rocky cliff face collapse, emphasised the inherent vulnerability of communities living in spectacular yet hazardous environments. The lessons learned from San Leo experience provide a roadmap for other heritage sites facing similar geological hazards, ensuring that their irreplaceable cultural assets are safeguarded for future generations.