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:House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.