Conoscenza e conservazione di superfici fragili nei complessi fortificati del Trentino: antichi problemi e nuove sfide

Architectural surfaces allow reflection on the expressive capacities of the traditional work, the anthropic and natural transformations and conservation techniques. Some researchers have reiterated that the surface registers change and must therefore be preserved. In fact, the restoration project is one of the opportunities to understand technical knowledge and the physical phenomena expressed by the material. The attention paid to architectural surfaces in the Trentino area is evidenced by some studies in which the existence of a high quantity of mortar joints finishes was revealed. However, the poor maintenance of many of these sites, the loss of traditional techniques knowledge and the effects of the current climate crisis make it more urgent, and sometimes very difficult, to preserve the cultural values that these fragile surfaces represent. This paper discusses cases of good and bad conservation practices for the architectural surfaces of Trentino's castles. The research boasts of some in-depth archaeometric and dating studies and could be structured in its future updates as the basis of preservation activities planning.