Ponti sul Mincio Castle was built in the 13th century on a moraine rock hilltop with an irregular plan, longer than it is wide, with five towers the main of which looking south east over the Mincio river. The masonry is built of river pebbles, stones and bricks. Following repetitive collapse of the western perimeter wall, diagnosis was carried out and a plan drawn up and executed for the restoration of the wall.
The project paid great attention to maintain as far as possible the materials used, with the only change being seen in the rain water drainage devices. Compatibility and mobility were also at the fore in the operation for strengthening the ramparts against seismic risk where metal structures were put in place. Full accessibility to the monument was also a priority (future maintenance is foreseen to be carried out with ropes and cables connected to the top of the structure).
The project also included the re-modelling of the ancient castle walkways, the creation of an access point to the belvedere overlooking the village and inside the fortified walls, a system of inter-connecting pathways to maximize visitor experience during events and shows.
References:The Clementinum is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries, the City Library also being located nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. The Technical library and the Municipal library have moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6 since 2009. It is currently in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic.
Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.