Description

Abstract (English)

Several structural elements played a fundamental role in shaping the architectural language of sacred spaces during the Middle Ages. Among these, roofing systems – whether wooden trusses, stone vaults, or domes – were of particular importance. Although relatively understudied in the Italian context, roofs not only defined the internal spatiality of churches but also determined their external appearance, as architectural designs were frequently conceived on the basis of the intended form of covering.
This volume offers a multidisciplinary investigation of Italian church roofs from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, drawing on the combined perspectives of architecture, art history, archaeology, archaeometry, and conservation studies. It represents a significant innovation within the historical-critical landscape, not only in Italy but in Europe as a whole, as no previous publication has provided a comprehensive, multidisciplinary study devoted to the medieval roofing systems of an entire nation. Through the analysis of both renowned and lesser-known case studies across the peninsula, the book sheds new light on the technological, artistic, and symbolic dimensions of these complex structures.
Beyond presenting an up-to-date scholarly synthesis, the volume also outlines future directions for the study, protection, and valorisation of historical roofing systems, recognising them as key components of Europe’s architectural and cultural heritage. This publication forms part of the CaMeRoofs (Cataloguing Medieval Roofs) project, coordinated by the University of Cyprus and funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Grant Agreement ID: 101104788).