Abstract

Abstract

The present study works with a historical-archaeological pre-existence, the remains of the Swabian-Aragonese castle of Maletto.

It starts with an excursus of the castles included in the Frederick's itinerary of Mount Etna, so called because they were built, or readapted, under the empire of Frederick II, therefore it analyses: the constructive logic of the fortresses of this period, the historical events that saw them involved, the events that led to their collapse or ruin, investigating up to the different functions that they assumed throughout history and the relationship with Etna, the pivot of the whole system.

Once the general panorama had been identified, the analysis focused on the example of Maletto’s castle, with the reorganization of the historical sources, which were included there focusing on the information concerning the construction of the castle and the events that involved it, leading to important changes in the understanding of today's features. Moving from an architectural description of the location before the collapse to a statement of presently state of affairs, the most recent changes that have occurred on the remains have been analysed, paying attention to the limits and the opportunities of the area. This phase was concluded by studying the relationship of the pre-existence with the site and the continuous change of the surrounding inhabited area and reflecting on the validity of the predominant panoramic component. The identity and landscape value of the Castle, indeed, has remained unchanged over the centuries to the present day.

Consequently, the phase of collecting and processing data useful for the survey of the area has started. This has been achieved through the use of two different technologies, whose the integration provided a more detailed model of the state of affairs. First the 3D laser scannning survey was carried out, subsequently this has been supported by the use of aerial photogrammetry; the data obtained were then processed and integrated, interfacing with all the software necessary for the faithful and reliable rendering of the three-dimensional model.

Finally, the transfer of the three-dimensional model into virtual reality has allowed the progress of the work in a project, determining new opportunities for the use of the site and an improved integration of the artefact in the wider itinerary of

the castles of Etna, bringing it back by deduction to the initial system, in a perfect circular logical procedure.