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All too often it seems the only sites receiving the attention, the funds and the public interest necessary to their continued existences are those deemed to be of greatest importance at the international level. Many valuable structures which do not fit into this category can be left to fend for themselves. The following are two such sites in Italy, brought to our attention by INTBAU member Enrico Fortuna.
Carditello
Now owned by the Italian state, Carditello was built by Collecini, a disciple of the 18th century Italian architect Luigi Vanvitelli. It is located near Capua, on the west coast of Italy. Carditello consists of one principal structure, as well as a number of other buildings spread across extensive grounds.
Carditello is currently open to the public one day per year in late September. Some restoration work has been undertaken, though it has so far only been of the main building. Results are very partial, as neither levels of funding nor the involvement of organisations have so far been consistent.
San Pietro 'ad Montes'
San Pietro 'ad Montes' is located in Casolla, near Caserta, and is the abbey church of one of Desiderius' basilicas. Desiderius was the 11th century Abbot of Montecassino. His work included the extensive building, rebuilding and expanding of a number of churches of the period. While in another of his churches, Sant'Angelo 'in Formis', some of the original frescoes still remain intact, San Pietro has not been so fortunate; all that remains of its frescoes are a few fragments. San Pietro's tower is still standing, however, and dates to the Norman period.
Now under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Caserta, San Pietro 'ad Montes' is used by a charitable organisation to house a community of recovering drug addicts and is therefore not open to the public. This results in a complicated situation, wherein the charitable work being carried out is very valuable, but is perhaps somewhat at the expense of this important historic structure. Without public awareness of this site's significance and heritage assets, it is unlikely that any protective measures will be taken.
A proposal for a competition to restore the bell tower can be seen here.
Both of these sites could benefit from an increased awareness of their existences, as well as an interest in their respective futures.
Photos courtesy of lacittadelsale.blogspot.com and Enzo de Maio
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