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 Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.