Virtual laboratory of multi-disciplinary
co-operation aimed at the exchange,
integration and promotion of ideas,
experiences and results within the Cultural Heritage sector.
During the first phase of the recovering of the Rocca of Montemassi,
it was immediately evident that the restoration of any artefact goes well
beyond a mere architectural intervention, requiring in fact the involvement
of different competencies--historians, archaeologists, architects sociologists,
economists, landscape specialists, and communications experts-- who together
can develop an integrated approach.
The aim of this project is to achieve an exchange of ideas and
multi-disciplinary confrontation in real time among experts from all of
Europe. This exchange will lead to the development of a methodology for
intervention specifically connected to the recovery and reuse of historic
buildings and the environmental context in which they are located.
With the beginning of the second phase of archaeological excavations
in the Montemassi Castle, the Municipality of Roccastrada intends to promote
different initiatives aimed at:
- creating opportunity for scientific co-operation for the exchange
of ideas, a multi-disciplinary approach and analysis;
- promoting within both professional and non professional circles,
a general awareness of the significance and the value of preservation of
Cultural heritage, also on a social and economic level;
- applying and using modern network communication technology
to the work carried out on the XIV century artefact.
The Rocca of Montemassi is known throughout the world as it
appears in the fresco attributed to Simone Martini, which is kept in the
Sala del Mappamondo (the Hall of Maps) in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena.
In the fresco Guidoriccio da Fogliano is at the head of the Sienese troops,
and is besieging the Rocca di Montemassi on one of the military campaigns
of the Tuscan city.
This work of art is famous not only for its beauty but particularly
because it marks a significant change in Italian art history: it is in fact
the first fresco to show the landscape in a realistic setting. The site
therefore assumes even more importance, on account of:
- its historic-architectural value;
- its surrounding landscape, which is so clearly depicted in
the fresco;
- its symbolic value as an example of communication in the XIV
century.
The project takes its name from Guidoriccio, the knight who
is the central figure in the fresco, to symbolise the multi-disciplinary
character of the initiative, that archaeologists, architects, art historians,
communications and new technologies experts are currently working on.
The Rocca of Montemassi is worthy of study. It originated from
the process of settling by the inhabitants from the lower lands in the early
Middle Ages. Then the object to be conquered during the Sienese military
campaigns, it later became first a farming centre, and then the abode for
miners working in the nearby mines. Following the tragic explosion in 1954
the mining activity ceased, leading to a gradual but heavy exodus from the
Rocca.
As a result of the parcelling of land close to the hamlet and
the ensuing protest in 1996, the Ministry for the Cultural Heritage decided
to intervene to safeguard the Rocca and its surroundings, by setting constraints
to protect the landscape and a scenery which has become part of the international
cultural heritage thanks to the fresco.
As well as legislation to preserve the site, the Ministry for
Cultural Heritage and the Municipality of Roccastrada -- where the Rocca
is situated -- have set up a programme aimed at returning a precious artefact
to the international community, thereby stimulating the economic recovery
of an area which would otherwise have been abandoned. Actions foreseen are
as follows:
a) preservation and exploitation of the cultural site through:
- assessment of the static conditions, archaeological and historic study
of the site;
- consolidation and implementation of safety features ;
b) reclaim and determined reuse of the site by creating exhibition
and conference areas, educational paths, which could include the reproduction
of methods of work, the stages of the construction of Castle, situations
in daily life, the reconstruction of weapons and military armaments used
in sieges (as portrayed in the fresco).
c) development of activities and services by:
- re-defining the access routes;
- setting up facilities (car parks and refreshments);
- renovation of depressed areas of the hamlet;
- organisation of the landscape.
In order to achieve these objectives, in agreement with its
national and international partners, the Municipality of Roccastrada intends
to:
- Publish a book on the first phase of the excavations.
- Publish an official internet web site of the project, with
a continuous up date on the progress of work and filming of activities during
the excavations. A sort of "European Yard" which can facilitate
the exchange of experiences and results obtained in real time .
- Organise a conference with the tentative title "An interdisciplinary
approach to the preservation and exploitation of the cultural heritage and
the use of multimedia technology in dissemination". The conference
will evaluate the multi-disciplinary contributions--historical, artistic,
social, and economic--within the restoration of cultural assets and assess
the suitability of multimedia technology as a means of obtaining a constant
exchange of view between professionals, to achieve a extensive and complete
divulgation of the European Cultural Heritage.
- Disseminate results on a European level.
To carry out these activities, the municipality will contribute
by making available goods and services, and allocating part of the funds
for the investments on the rocca and the site. The municipality also intends
to promote a European project, which will group public and private organisations
interested in the project, and in participating and contributing with ideas
and expertise. The project will also be presented to the Commission of the
European Union within the Action Programme Raphael for a financial contribution.
PROJECT VALUE
scientific level: study of a methodology for intervention
technical level: use of advanced communication tools
symbolic level: from the fresco to Internet, a single object
and its image
through centuries. Progetto Guidoriccio Pagina 2