Restoration of the feudal castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono (PA)

This paper concerns the restoration of the castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono; the initial part, come from the medieval period (XIVth century), underwent considerable transformations in the XVth century by Giovanni Ventimiglia, Count of Geraci. He transformed the old castle, which is primarily defensive, in their own home and restored the chapel dedicated to S. Anna, then reconfigured in 1683. Since the XIXth century the castle had a progressive deterioration and in 1920 it was purchased by the Municipality of Castelbuono. The postwar years were characterized of a further deterioration of the castle; it was remedied with partial actions since 1978. These interventions have been coordinated by the State Department for environment and historical buildings and by the architect Rodolfo Santoro. A significant intervention involved the consolidation of the foundations through the creation of micro poles and execution of archaeological excavations. Then, using a research agreement with the University of Palermo, the surveys, structural and geotechnical investigations were completed. In 1994 the opportunity of draw up a plan gave it a designation for exhibitions and conferences. The works of monumental restoration, aimed mainly at the Palatium, concerned: - The static restoration through the consolidation of the foundations, the walls, floors and roofs; - The architectural restoration; - The reuse of the complex with the outfitting of the interiors.