IT
EN
The Rocca Strozzi, at the
time of its acquisition by the municipality, showed evident signs of disrepair,
due to the slow, gradual abandonment of the building complex; the flow of time
was eroding and even removing the signs of the original defensive function of
the fortress, and of its successive transformation into a villa/farmhouse. Under the direction of the High Supervision
of the Superintendence responsible for the territory, preservation works were
begun, in order to restore the monumental complex. Among these procedures were the consolidation
and safeguarding of damaged areas, the reconstruction of the outer façade, the
Italian style garden, and the technical recovery of the space of the ex-wine
cellar and its annexes.
The restoration
of the ex-wine cellar included the provision of a partially glass-made roof, to
allow for viewing the Rocca from the inside as well. Thanks to an attentive
program, and the accomplishment of a general Masterplan, with the scheduling of
a phased sequence of restoration, a gradual and harmonious project was
achieved, for the progressive recovery of the entire architectural complex.
Today the structure is marked by a heterogeneous architectonic imprint, and is
all the more fascinating for its being comprised of militaristic medieval
elements, early modern aristocratic modifications, and 19th century
rural adaptations,
all testifying to multiple usage purposes. The intention of the municipal Administration is to gradually recover the entire cultural site, and at the same time to enable it to assume a social and urban role, as a center for cultural gatherings, and to attract as well as represent the interests of the entire community.
In particular, the works that have been accomplished so far have concentrated on the restoration of the ground floor areas, of the ex-farmhouse and of the ex-wine cellar, in preparation for the use of these rooms as the exhibition space for the finds made in the archeological area of Gonfienti. The proposal to establish and open an Archeological Museum dedicated to the territory of Gonfienti was also approved by the Regional Direction of the Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Tuscany, within a wider project of the accomplishment of implementation efforts in the Agricultural Park of the Piana, and of the valorization of the Archeological area of Gonfienti. These programs benefitted from ministerial, regional, and municipal financing.
The works achieved thus far have re-endowed the Rocca Strozzi with its meaningful image as the historic and symbolic reference point of Campi, located on the right bank of the Bisenzio, recalling its ancient defensive role as the city’s fortified nucleus.
