Accessibilità integrata per architetture inaccessibili. I castelli della Sardegna (XIV-XV sec.)

Accessibility is a crucial topic for conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in all its forms: physical, immaterial, social and cultural. As conservation approaches vary according to the heritage peculiarities, so actions to make accessible historic architectures have to be designed case by case. Starting from these considerations, this paper aims to reflect on the issue of accessibility in the specific case of fortified architecture, with the goal of making accessible a not easily accessible heritage. Sardinia (Italy) offers an emblematic example of fortified landscape, characterized by different architecture typologies seamlessly built over the centuries. In particular, the 15th century is a turning point for the Sardinian fortified settlements. In fact, the domination under the Kingdom of Aragon fixed the end of political-administrative local system and the transformation of the fortification process started from the 11th century. This process was characterized by the construction of strongholds located in inaccessible sites, in order to control the territory and protect the castles themselves. The unification of Sardinia under a single central power led to an almost immediate change, because, in contrast to the Medieval Period, starting from the 15th century castles were built in more reachable places. Thus, as said before, the work aims at studying the accessibility of Sardinian fortifications, which intrinsic characteristics determine a limited possibility of enjoyment. This offers the opportunity of reflecting on specific challenges and suggesting innovative and alternative solutions. Specifically, this study wants to contribute to the debate about compensatory measures for people with disabilities and new technologies applicable to this specific issue: on the basis of considerations developed case by case – but without losing sight of the organic system – the work investigates the possibility of identifying interventions of integrated accessibility for a wide range of users, in order to favour the conservation and enhancement of the fortified heritage.