Conoscenza e analisi dei materiali per la conservazione del castello di Maida in Calabria (Italia)

The Maida castle is located in a hill site in historical center of the Maida City, facing two sea gulfs: Squillace gulf on the east side and Sant’Eufemia gulf on the west side. The position is strategic moreover because the castle is located in the center of Calabria between the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Seas. Hidden in an inner area, the castle was erected on a rock which has a wide perspective view, giving the ability to control a stretch of territory between the two coasts and allowing to make an easier defense. Although today the fortress appears mainly as a ruin, it is still possible to distinguish one of the quadrangular towers as used as district prison, some inaccessible underground spaces and part of the walls. The state of degradation is evident, caused by the time action and, unfortunately, by inadequate maintenance activity. Most of the external surfaces have evident signs of deterioration, caused by bad weather conditions, but above all by weed vegetation. To better understand the role of the factors as biological aggression, a study has been carried out focusing on most common and widespread biological degradation present on the external surfaces of the castle. Samples of biological materials were taken and examined in the laboratory in order to acquire useful information about the state of the monument. This knowledge is necessary because it provides a first picture of the main causes of degradation of the castle and useful information for developing more aware and respectful restorations of its identity.