Mediaeval bastion and via Fontana la StellaGravina in Puglia

The rehabilitation and conversion of the “Medieval Bastion”, which constituted the north-western point of the ancient city defensive walls, into an info-point is part of a larger programme adopted by the Municipality. A programme, for developing the environmental, historical and archaeological heritage along the ravine, implemented by the Municipality within the framework of the “Tourist and Cultural Rupestrian Habitat Itinerary” Integrated Sectorial Project (P.I.S.).

Photography & Project by Spira Srl Photography & Project by Spira Srl

The project provides for renovating the street access to the bastion (which was walled-in) and clearing out the accumulated debris and infill material that rendered the rooms, partly dug out of the tufa bank, unusable. After the necessary reinforcement and upgrading works, a floor was laid, raised above the rocky ground and the technological equipment required for the buildings new function were installed.

Photography & Project by Spira Srl Photography & Project by Spira Srl

The dilapidated state and the static precariousness of the internal structures, some of which were discovered to be without foundations, that came to light during these clearing out operations, were caused by the disintegration of the walls inner core and the mortar dislodged by rainwater coming through the roof. This called for detailed scuci-cuci stonework reintegration and the connection the stone outer faces with anti-ejection tie rods and through stones. It was also necessary for the base of the keep walls to be contained with crossed steel sections, linked on the opposite sides, using galvanised steel bars with the requisite plates and bolts.

Photography & Project by Spira Srl Photography & Project by Spira Srl

Photography & Project by Spira Srl Photography & Project by Spira Srl

Photography & Project by Spira Srl Photography & Project by Spira Srl

Additional Info

Abstract:
Built on the site where streets Via Fontana La Stella and Via Giudice Montea meet, the bastion presides over the valley and the torrent that runs through it. There is a stunning panoramic view, over the ravine and the surrounding countryside from its summit. The stone faces of the building – set on a hefty sloping podium, resting on the rocky mass – are composed, as are vaults over the internal spaces, of rows of squared blocks of local biocalcarenite stone (known as “Tufo from Gravina”); there are various apertures in the vertical expanse of the external walls, now partially infilled and once used for artillery fire.
Servives rendered:
Construction documentation, Site Supervision and Site Safety Coordination
Date:
2007/2008
Client:
Comune di Gravina in Puglia, BA
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