City gutting
In the absence of urban planning and capital interests of the surrounding communities of large to medium-sized cities , urban gutting (“donut cities”) can be observed. Shopping centers are located on the outskirts, where building land is comparatively cheap. Purchasing power is being withdrawn from the city center and many other smaller businesses are moving to it. The infrastructure of the city center is being dismantled, as a result of which entire districts are deserted. Local supply suffers and a mode of transport such as the car is becoming more important for everyday needs.
A particularly drastic example was the old town of Molfetta in Apulia . By emigration, desolation and mafia-like activities , it was finally almost completely ruined and was given up. A general renovation showed success: It is habitable again, old and new cathedral and large parts of the old building fabric have been renovated and in good condition. A similar process can currently be observed in Taranto , also in Apulia. Large parts of the old town are abandoned, dilapidated or seen as ruins.