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

This research investigates a significant case study on preserving and revitalising abandoned military sites, which can prove strategic for urban and territorial transformations. The Polveriera Castelfidardo, located in the heart of Ancona, in the saddle between Colle dei Cappuccini and Monte Cardeto, occupies a high historically, archaeologically, and scenically valuable area overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The site underwent a challenging redevelopment process to transform into a 35-ha urban park, the largest in the city, inaugurated in 2005. Named in honour of the Risorgimento battle that freed 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. After years of neglect, the building was restored 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 serves as a 120-seat auditorium, while the side rooms host temporary events. Despite the recent works and investments, the Polveriera Castelfidardo is at risk of being abandoned again due to the current degradation and danger in the park. The case underscores the importance of a holistic project approach because focusing solely on single buildings or areas, without a broader vision and the coordination and harmonisation of interventions, can limit the effectiveness of their recovery and promotion of urban regeneration. If the common path goes from dismission to reuse and back to abandonment, is the future of military heritage a new opportunity or just a vicious circle?