Publications
Dai castelli tardoantichi ai borghi fortificati del bassomedioevo
Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of Bellinzona reveals that some fortified villages' walls from the late Middle Ages retain remnants of Iron Age castellieri or late antique defensive structures. This indicates a continuity in fortification strategies across centuries, with local communities and aristocracies becoming key protagonists in erecting defenses from the 10th century onward. The study highlights how social, economic, and military contexts shaped the evolution of fortified villages between the 5th and 15th centuries. By analyzing these layers, the research provides insights into the diachronic development of fortified settlements, emphasizing their adaptive functions and cultural significance.
“Venimmo al piè d’un nobile castello”. Un disegno di Bruno Bossi per il secentenario dantesco del 1921
A previously unpublished drawing by Bruno Bossi, created during the 1921 Dante celebrations, offers new insights into his early artistic and architectural interests. The 'estempore' sketch, made within an hour, visually interprets a passage from Dante's Inferno (Canto IV), depicting a monumental castle with seven walls—a design that reflects both Dante's poetic imagery and the fortified architecture of Bellinzona, Switzerland. Bossi’s work, linked to a student trip to Ravenna led by architect Ambrogio Annoni, showcases his precocious talent and foreshadows his lifelong engagement with cinema and theater. The study highlights how this lesser-known artifact provides a unique lens into the intersection of literature, architecture, and the arts in early 20th-century Europe.
Aurelio Galfetti - Castelgrande a Bellinzona: rifondare il senso dei luoghi
Aurelio Galfetti's rehabilitation project for Castelgrande and its surrounding rock in Bellinzona redefines the historical significance of this architectural and geographical ensemble. By focusing on two fundamental human actions—digging and enclosing—the project not only preserves the site but also restores its cultural and spatial meaning, bridging past and present occupation of the landscape. This approach offers a novel perspective on how heritage conservation can revitalize the narrative of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by reinterpreting their historical functions.
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