The citadel of Gozo. Restoration strategies and valorisation of Malta fortified system

The Restoration Unit of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs of Malta has launched a survey and documentation project of the Citadel of Gozo. This is a really complex task for the Restoration Unit of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, Malta, involved for years in important researches and restorations. The project was developed through the European Regional Development Fund Malta 2007-2013 (Operational Program I - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life), funded by the European Union for 85% with the ERDF and for 15% with Maltese national funds. Led by the Ferrara Research Consortium,the documentation plan for the restorationwas developed by the Italian group of companies affiliated with Prorestauro (Italian Association for the Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage). Experts in survey, diagnostic, conservation of stones and 3D modelling, worked together in an integrated process analysis and post-processing of data. Built with the main purpose of defending the island against invasion of pirates, the Citadel of Gozo present importance is not only due to the architecture but also to its cultural and historical significance. It is located in the central-west area of the island, at the top of a rocky hill 140 meters above sea level, covering an area of about 2500 square meters, half of which are in a state of ruin. Citadel was one of the main centers of activity since ancient times, due to its location and to the shape of the land. Besides the primary documentation, the main goal of the high-definition three-dimensional survey, is to develop a geometric database able to identify the geometry and morphology of every element of the fortifications. Furthermore it provides to operate metric, morphological and diagnostic multi-scale analysis of the architectural complex, considering also the relationships with the surrounding area. Thehigh-definition description of the environment was to highlight all the natural and anthropic elements, like a series of dry stone walls for the "containment" of the sloping ground, surrounding the Citadel. This was important because several hydrogeological landslides are happening in the area and many assumptions identify the cause in the lack of maintenance. Another main task of the project involved the detailed survey of the outer and inner surfaces of the walls of the fortress of the Citadel and the documentation of the condition of structures and surfaces