La chiesa di Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta. La vicenda storico-costruttiva e l'uso di strumenti innovativi per la gestione della conoscenza

The book provides a critical analysis of the construction, architectural and conservation history of the Benedictine complex of S. Maria in Valle Porclaneta at Rosciolo, a district of Magliano dei Marsi (L'Aquila, Abruzzo), that now comprises just the church building and a few surviving appurtenances. The complex was chosen as a specimen on which to test new digital survey analysis techniques as it boasts several emblematic aspects. Indeed, given its shape and size, particular location, proportions and the extensive figurative art collection, whilst matching the principles employed by the Benedictine order in Abruzzian religious sites, the monument is a standout feature of regional architectural and archaeological heritage. Even from a static structural viewpoint, S. Maria in Valle Porclaneta is a unique example, being one of the few monuments of the Early Middle Ages to remain virtually undamaged by the 1915 Avezzano earthquake. Finally, as regards its state of repair, the monument can be considered a peculiar example as a result of the controversial restoration vicissitudes in which it was continually involved throughout the last century that have damaged its original layout once and for all. In addition to such grounds, a further reason for this choice was the complete lack of organised, painstakingly-methodical studies of the monastery.
The book is arranged into two distinct sections, marked by two different methods of approach, although both aim to achieve critical awareness.
In the first part we examine the subject of the study by looking at the historical and territorial background (geomorphological features, road system and proximity to important sites), available documentary sources, the few known archaeological surveys, the conserved figurative art collection and the formal typological comparison with similar contemporary monuments. Overlaying the data obtained initially provides a breakdown into the various construction phases and the absolute chronology of the entire complex.
In the second part of the research we perform direct analysis of the building using stratigraphic analysis of certain major building joints, with particular reference to two elevations and the dividing wall between middle nave and left nave supported by columns and arches, seeking to confirm the previously-formulated hypotheses.