by Antonio Caruso
Restoring the identity of the Monastery of SS. Annunziata
of Paternò is the core element in the recovery process of such
significant monument, since it is now well assessed that a better knowledge
of the Baroque heritage is an essential condition for its recovery.
In spite of the manufact’s territorial relevance, its building
history had never been studied before. Now an in-depth analysis supported
by an archive survey has highlightened, among other things, architect
Stefano Ittar’s unknown activity inside the building.
The complex stands on a vast rectangular area, on a slight slope at
the beginning of the hill of Paternò. It measures approximately
36 × 80 metres and is made of four building blocks pertaining
to different periods. The oldest part is the western one that overlooks
via S. Caterina and dates back to the second half of the 17th century.
Then the eastern part – a unique quadrangular block that includes
the dormitories and the church – dates back to the second half
of the 18th century. During the following century this latter block
was linked to the first one thanks to two new constructions and a courtyard.
But the 20th century marked the end of its religious function. Many
structural interventions modified the framework of a building vowed
at hosting various public bodies.
The Benedictines Monastery was built according to the traditional building
practices characterizing historic monuments in the region of Catania.
Therefore the study of materials and structures has been the starting
point to define the intervention of conservation. Prior to any such
intervention, we identified the sustainable functions, which may be
assigned to the building after its restoration, as recommended by integrated
conservation.
In conclusion the project’s final aim was to create an urban pole
of cultural interest around the most representative building of the
historic town centre, as it is indeed rich in values and urban relevance.
