Fortifications of Stato dei Presidii. The gateways of Spanish Governors and the Guzmán Powder Magazine in Orbetello. History, military technique and musealization

• Autores: Francesco Broglia
• Localización: Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean: XV to XVIII Centuries: Vol. VI / coord. por Ángel B. González Avilés, 2017, ISBN 978-84-16724-76-5, pág. 171
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The gateways in Orbetello fortified walls represent a relevant example of decorative devices wisely integrated into technical and military apparati. Every passage has a specific functional connotation in the defensive system of the city, within curtains and powerful bastions. Thus, they comply with symbolic and representative criteria. They display Spanish Governors� emblems, a sort of seal on the magnificent fortifications of the Stato dei Presidii. Coats of arms and heraldic symbols stand out solemnly and are visible from a long distance. The order of architecture frames the gateways and houses the systems to raise and lower drawbridges. Beyond these fortified passage areas, sheltered by wide embankments, the massive building of the Guzmán Powder Magazine stands. As the rest of the fortifications, the building was raised on essentially utilitarian purposes. However, it has the same symbolic power as the bastion gateways, sign of the Spanish military supremacy in the Mediterranean Sea in the XVII century. The historical analysis, preparatory to restoration, aims at highlighting the beauty of these devices, that must be available, regarding their didactic and museum value.