A multidisciplinary approach to study Sardinian coastal towers. Restoration, conservation and archaeological research

Abstract

The project of protection and enhancement of Sardinian Coastal Towers began with the restoration of nine monuments which, for their building techniques, condition, environmental features and approachability, have been considered the most representative of the Sardinian coastal heritage. The aim of the project is to define the guidelines for a correct methodology of restoration and exploitation, with the purpose to determine natural and human elements which typify each tower as cultural heritage of Sardinian modern coastal landscape. The restoration has been considered as first step of knowledge useful to learn more about the site restoration processes, in order to apply the same methodology to the whole heritage of coastal towers. At the same time, many promotional activities have been carried out, and both monument’s techniques and history have been publicized by a website and throught multimedia panels. The interdisciplinary methodology allowed to analyze through an archaeological approach their stratigraphy and life since 16th to 20th century. The removal of sediments which covered both structural parts and floors contributed to the knowledge of material culture’s elements essential to reconstruct soldiers’ lives: food, waste used as levelling under floors and restorations over centuries until their last reuse during II World War.