From excavation to digital use, reconstructing and returning the past to small communities. The case of the medieval fortress of Cervara di Roma

The first mentions of the medieval fortress of Cervara di Roma date back to the year 1005. Over the centuries, it was damaged and rebuilt until it became a possession of the Colonna family. Excavation campaigns conducted in the area (2006-2008) have revealed four evolutionary phases, but the meagre archaeological remains do not allow an immediate reading of the area or an easy understanding of the ancient structures. This paper aim to give back to the community the possibility of understanding the evolution of the fortress through virtual reconstructions. Starting from the studies and sources, the digital reconstruction project of the medieval fortress was developed. It consisted of three actions: a photogrammetric survey by drone, a digital processing of the 3D model and a three-dimensional modelling of the structures that no longer exist.