The current Italian seismic code and recommendations include extended sections dedicated to the repair and strengthening of existing unreinforced masonry structures. Besides giving the general guidelines of what is required to assure structural safety, the code also furnishes detailed specifications regarding the techniques which can, and in some cases, must be used to do so. Originally developed in emergency conditions, i.e., for the urgent interventions in the zones stricken by the Friuli and Campania-Basilicata earthquakes, they progressively became the current practice systematically applied in the restoration of masonry structures. Such a trend caused major concern not only with regard to the conservation aspects of the cultural heritage, but also from the point of view of structural safety. In fact, a better understanding of the needs of repair and strengthening of masonry structures, a better knowledge of the behaviour and of the efficiency of the various possible techniques, and a renewed reliance on traditional materials and techniques are needed. In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to provide the scientific basis required to meet such needs.