PANEL no 2 - Silvi Marina - Pini's Square

Since autonomous municipality restoration to WWII evacuation (1929-1944) Municipality of Silvi was abolished and merged with neighbour Municipality of Atri by Royal Decree n. 383 on March 17th 1927. Two years later another Royal Decree (R.D. on March 14th 1929) restored the autonomy of Silvi's Municipality reopening town hall authority offices. By that time it was evident that coastal village; Silvi Marina was expanding and developing larger than historical centre located upon the hill Silvi Paese. In 1930 the new built-up Silvi Marina had indeed a population of 2.638 residents whereas Silvi Paese had 1.143 inhabitants and the old hamlet San Silvestre counted for 1.334; at that time in Silvi Marina were located the post office the bank che colector's office the treasury office the police station (carabinieri) one hotel one bed&breakfast one drugstore and the railway station. The Royal Decree on March 30th 1931 authorized the transfer of the town hall in Silvi Marina. After few years Italy begun the tragic adventure of World War II. By the end of the war the population was forced to evacuate towards the hinterland because of bombing raids and shellings by Armed Forces. On February 1944 the Nazi command which stationed in Silvi ruled the population to leave the territory of Silvi. Many people took refuge in the farms in the neighbour territory of Atri. Oral traditions tell about few families remained in Silvi Paese along with the baker and the tailor carrying out essential services for the Nazi troop there stationed. On the 17th February 1944 about 5.000 people that is to say the 4/5 of the entire population were obliged to leave the territory of Silvi. It is also reported that the Nazist and the collaborators committed sacking and destructions. After passing of Allied troops the National Committee for Liberation appointed on June 13th 1944 the first Major after fascism period Mr. Gino Terra who during that period of transition devoted himself to let people overcome their troubles and pains.