Antichi palinsesti in laterizio. L’Anfiteatro Campano tra restauro e miglioramento della fruizione

The paper aims to reflect on the ability of the restoration project to understand and “read” the complexity of a stratified archaeological palimpsest and to combine the instances of conservation with those of fruition of the built heritage. This is not always easy because, especially in the archaeological field, arises the question of making legible parts of architecture that no longer exist, also in order to permit the “use” of the site, respecting its ancient function. The study starts from a research agreement between the Interdepartmental research Center for architectural and environmental heritage and urban planning of University of Naples Federico II and the Polo Museale della Campania (Ministry of Culture) aimed at identifying “Guidelines and methodological studies for the restoration, conservation and use of the Anfiteatro Campano in Santa Maria Capua Vetere (CE)” and intended to pursue the objective of restoring archaeological emergencies – through the conservation of the monument in its last historical and consolidated configuration – and to improve accessibility to the site also to people with temporary or permanent disabilities. The aim of the project also intended to improve the duration of the intervention, through the adoption of restoration and enhancement solutions that allow scheduled maintenance, with minimal works over time.