Il riuso degli edifici fortificati tra eresia e ortodossia. Il caso del Castello di Montebello

Historically linked to military functions and for a long time confined to Giovannoni’s category of «dead monuments», fortifications seem to have found a new lease of life in the second half of the Twentieth century thanks to the profuse actions of Piero Gazzola. In an attempt to bring new life to fortified spaces the architect proposes a qualified re-integration in the present according to a strategy linked to economic development and integrated in social life. Sustained by the results obtained in numerous experiences abroad, he supports functions very different from the original ones placed side by side with the so-called “orthodox” ones already tested. The restoration carried out on Montebello Castle, which stands on the homonymous hill in the territory of the Marecchia Valley, distorts the principle of active protection supported by Gazzola taking it almost to the level of “heresy”. Placed along the Gothic Line and used as defence during the Second World War, the castle is subjected to first of all bombings and then the insult of a reconstruction strongly influenced by new functional necessities. Through a critic analysis of the “heretic” and “orthodox” elements which distinguish the project designs and the works carried out, this paper intends to reflect upon the effects of Gazzola’s thoughts on the reuse of fortified buildings and highlight the narrow border which separates the benefit induced by the remaining potentiality of use, from the limits of some of its deviations.