Dalla difesa al culto: lo spazio sacro del limen nei cimiteri fortificati

Liminality, describing states of transition and boundaries between different worlds, is often explored in funerary practices concerning the enclosure — the boundary space between the city of the living and that of the dead. However, its role in defensive architecture remains largely unexplored, typically limited to an association with funerary studies, particularly the transition from intramural burials to cemeteries beyond city walls. This paper aims to delve deeper into the topic by analysing a series of case studies across the Mediterranean basin, a region where layered history and cultural traditions have shaped a unique landscape of interactions between defensive architecture and sacred spaces.The analysed examples reveal how many defensive structures have evolved in purpose, transforming from bastions of security to places of memory and reverence. The study of the architectural and symbolic configurations of the “fortified cemeteries” highlights the dual aspect of defence and memory preservation, illustrating how original military structures designed to protect the city were transformed into boundaries that enclose and safeguard collective memory through tombs and funerary monuments. The military boundary of the fortress, once a line of defence, is thus transfigured into a sacred boundary, the cemetery enclosure, encompassing a space for reverence and contemplation.This study offers an innovative interpretation, suggesting that these liminal spaces act as catalysts for cultural and spiritual expression. Their ability to convey deep and evolving meanings makes these sites not only testimonies of the past but also active elements in shaping contemporary cultural identity. This emphasizes the importance of preserving and valuing these structures as dynamic cultural heritage, which continue to influence perceptions of space and time.