Cultural heritage and Sustainability: the restoration in Porto Torres
How photovoltaics can support the preservation of the historical roots of the territory
Our Commitment to Local Communities
Our connection with the territories in which we operate is expressed not only through the production of energy from photovoltaic panels. For us at EF Solare Italia, taking care of the places where we work also means enhancing the historical and cultural heritage that belongs to local communities. Preserving and passing on these roots is an integral part of our mission: because there is no future without memory, nor innovation without identity.
The Restoration Project in Porto Torres
In this perspective, EF Solare Italia supports the restoration project of the sculptures in Via delle Terme in Porto Torres (SS), initiated following the archaeological excavations carried out between 2006 and 2009 in the ancient Colonia Iulia Turris Libisonis. The investigation brought to light a complex architectural and engineering structure of great value, featuring a monumental entrance arch, a covered walkway, and a room with a geometric mosaic floor, which bore a unique welcoming inscription. The building, constructed and used between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD and later stripped of its rich marble decoration, attests to the central role of Porto Torres in Roman and Mediterranean history.
A Heritage Made Visible Again
Among the most significant marble artifacts are two Corinthian capitals, the statue of Hercules of the Borghese type, the bust of a figure in anatomical lorica (armor), and a larger-than-life loricated statue, headless, probably representing an emperor. The richness of this sculptural and architectural decoration prompted a long and complex recovery effort, carried out under the direction of the Superintendence of Sassari and Nuoro, with the support of the Municipality of Porto Torres, by companies specialized in archaeological restoration, and with the prospect of a permanent display at the Antiquarium Turritano under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate of Museums of Sardinia.
The restoration process included in-depth diagnostic analyses, structural consolidations, cleaning, reassembly, and scientific studies, also addressing challenges related to design changes and delays caused by the pandemic. After years of work, the sculptures are now once again on display at the Li Punti Restoration and Conservation Center in Sassari, on the occasion of the 2025 European Heritage Days, dedicated this year to the theme “Architectures: The Art of Building.”
EF Solare Italia’s Vision
Being part of this journey means for EF Solare Italia to reaffirm the value of collaboration with local communities and the commitment to promote a sustainability that goes beyond: not only sustainable energy and technological progress, but also the protection of culture, the enhancement of historical roots, and shared memory.
“The restoration of the sculptures on Via delle Terme in Porto Torres is not just an act of preservation and conservation. It is an act that restores value to our collective memory, strengthens the connection with the territory, and projects it into the future. At EF Solare Italia, we believe that sustainability is not only about green energy, but also about culture. Preserving the historical and artistic heritage of our country means investing in the very roots of the communities in which we operate. It is a commitment that goes hand in hand with our mission: producing renewable energy for a cleaner future, while simultaneously giving back value to the territories that host us,” said Andrea Ghiselli, CEO of EF Solare Italia.
A message from the Superintendence of Sassari and Nuoro
Gabriella Gasperetti, project manager, co-designer, and scientific director of the works, entrusts is with these words: “Almost twenty years after the first excavations in Via delle Terme, during which the administrative and operational challenges we faced were supported by the many colleagues who followed the work, from the field to the Restoration Center and finally to this exhibition, we are proud of this exceptional result that restores the statues of the principes celebrated in the Colony to their former glory inside a monumental building, overlooking and visible to the cosmopolitan community that crowded the port hub of Turris Libisonis in the early centuries of the Empire. We will now continue with studies of the restored complex and with the desire to return it to its territory of origin. A heartfelt thank you to everyone.”