Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti Politician and Intellectual. Defense and Development of the Historic City in Italy in the 40’s

Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti was a prominent Italian art critic, historian, and politician who made significant contributions to the preservation and understanding of historic cities in Italy. This paper explores Ragghianti's life, his ideas on the historic city, and his efforts to promote cultural heritage conservation. It examines his influential role in shaping the discourse on historic preservation and urban planning, highlighting his multidisciplinary approach that combined art history, architecture, and social sciences. Ragghianti's work serves as an important reference for understanding the value of historic cities as repositories of collective memory, cultural identity, and social cohesion. Through his writings, speeches, and activism, he advocated for the integration of historic preservation into urban planning policies, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and the protection of the built environment. This paper also discusses some of the key initiatives led by Ragghianti, including his involvement in the restoration of several historic cities in Italy. Furthermore, it highlights the lasting impact of Ragghianti's ideas and his legacy in the field of heritage conservation, inspiring subsequent generations of scholars, professionals, and policymakers to adopt a holistic approach towards the preservation of historic cities.