Heritage is Plural. Recovery and Adaptive Reuse of the Polveriera Castelfidardo in Ancona

This study investigates a significant case study to reflect on preserving and revitalising abandoned military sites, which can prove strategic for urban and territorial transformations. The Polveriera Castelfidardo is in the heart of Ancona, in the saddle between the Colle dei Cappuccini and Monte Cardeto. It occupies the entrance to a vast area with high historical, archaeological and landscape value, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The site underwent a challenging redevelopment process to transform into an urban park of 35 hectares, the largest in the city, inaugurated in 2005. Named in honour of the Risorgimento battle that liberated the Marche from papal rule, the powder magazine was designed by the architect Giuseppe Morando and constructed between 1864 and 1866 to supply the nearby Caserma Villarey with gunpowder. After losing its original purpose, it was used as a food warehouse for many years before being decommissioned by the Italian Ministry of Defence in the early 1970s. Following years of neglect, the building was restored, repurposed and returned to the community in 2015. The recovery project has involved conserving and converting the property for public use, focusing on the uniqueness of the historic and highly specialised structure. The central area now functions as an auditorium with 140 seats, while the side rooms host temporary events. Despite the recent restoration and investments, the Polveriera Castelfidardo is at risk of being abandoned again due to the current degradation and danger in the park. This situation highlights the importance of a holistic architectural and urban project approach. Focusing solely on single buildings or areas, without a broader vision and the necessary coordination and harmonisation of interventions, can limit the effectiveness of recovering abandoned military heritage and promoting urban regeneration.