Valorizzazione e recupero dei paesaggi fortificati: i borghi medievali Terminio-Cervialto

This examination proposes a critical interpretation of some restoration and rehabilitation works of the fortifications constituting the Terminio – Cervialto’s defence line, in the southern region of Italy called Alta Irpinia (AV): the castles of Quaglietta, Volturara, Castelvetere sul Calore and Taurasi. The research investigates four sites characterized by a strong relationship between these medieval architectures and the landscape and between the defence system and the regional planning. Project actions have been based on a meticulous analysis, not limited to the field of historical and archaeological research, but that includes multidisciplinary aspects, recognising the intrinsic value of the natural environment and of anthropological and socio-economic aspects, in order to understand the importance of the places and their role in history, identifying new uses which meet the contemporary needs of society. The project should safeguard these archaeological remains, taking into account the stratification of the lands, where we can recognise the history of structural alterations on the fortresses, carried out in the past, for defence and military reasons. What’s the best way to establish a connection between historical records and the innovation of technological and sustainable solutions? How does it change the rapport with the context, the environmental and urban landscape? These are the questions that have accompanied the projects of restoration, conservation and enhancement. The projects proposed in this research could be an example of an alternative approach, a kind of revitalizing actions for fragile places. These medieval small towns, even if affected by depopulation, have the potentialities to became new places able to generate social aggregation, through strategic visions in order to rethink the landscape, for example through the promotion of cultural events and the development of new tourism strategies to increase the employment and improve the quality of life of the residents. To restore the fortified landscapes means to go against the “superficiality of the sight”, by entrusting the restoration and refurbishment the task to introduce, ransom and connect the principal urban centres these extraordinary places.