Rossena Castle

Project for the restoration and consolidation of the Matilda of Tuscany era castle of Rossena

General renovation, consolidation, static safety and functional adaptation of the castle pf Rossena. The landmark, situated in front of the ruins of Canossa castle, of which it was a part of the defensive structure, is perhaps the most beautiful and better conserved of the entire Canossa area among the medieval fortresses from the time of Matilda of Tuscany (XI – XII centuries).
Due to the importance of such a unique historical and architectural landmark, which has few rivals for its landscape beauty, the owners of the castle, now under the bishopric of Reggio Emilia, required a general renovation and functional adaptation project to conserve such important heritage that could give back to the public a structure in its full splendour and safety.
The first step in drafting the project was a study performed using a series of photogrammetric measurements with laser scanners, drones and immersive 3D shots of the outside, due to the danger represented by the steep cliffs of the outer walls, but also internally to reconstruct the damage situation and the imagery.

These documents, along with the geological and geotechnical study of the volcanic complex on which the castle is located, allowed a reconstruction of the frame and the type of various construction phases, from the main tower from the X/XI century to the extension of the living quarters in the following centuries.
Once this initial phase was completed, the project then defined the main needs both in terms of conservation and the reversal of the wear so that the structure could be used and accessed safely wether for tours or its use as a hostel and resort.
Once the project had been shared with and obtained the approval of the superintendence, the Provincial fire safety authorities and the municipal authorities of Canossa, the urban program of intervention was laid out which included the following actions:

• fire safety regulation to obtain the CPI certificate;
• structural consolidation and requalification of the outer walls;
• adaptation and improvement of the rain water collection system;
• accessibility and visibility for the disabled.