Complex of San Benedetto in Polirone

The restoration and renovation works were divided into separate portions and realized over the last 6 years, in order to guarantee the financial feasibility of the overall intervention. The complex was refunctionalized, all bearing structures were reinforced and finally the plastered and decorated surfaces were restored to render a unitary common image. The project has included the optimization of internal routes for visitors and employees, the realization of new and efficient lighting and heating systems and the adaptation to the fire safety requests. All these interventions where carried on with the maximum respect for the identity of the existing structure, trying to minimize demolitions. The methodology adopted requested to maintain all other historical traces without choosing to privilege any particular period or style. The monument was considered as a “stratified document” that needed to be fully preserved. Every specific decision concerning the re-organization of the internal rooms and the restoration of the decoration was agreed with the Department for Historic Architectonical Heritage, which was repeatedly involved during all the different phases of the work. (Photos: Carlo Perini and Marmiroli srl)