Publications
Martorana- Palermo , Sicily
The Martorana Church (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio) in Palermo, Sicily, stands as a testament to the island’s complex religious and cultural history. Originally an Orthodox church founded by Georgios d’Antiochia in the 12th century, it was later forcibly converted to Roman Catholicism during the Norman conquest of Sicily. This transition reflects the broader historical process of Latinization imposed on Sicily between the 12th and 16th centuries, a period marked by violent religious and political shifts. The church’s significance extends beyond its architectural heritage; it also serves as a symbol of the enduring Greek-Sicilian identity that predates both Arab and Norman influences. Additionally, Georgios d’Antiochia’s contributions include the Admiral’s Bridge (Ponte dell’Ammiraglio), a UNESCO-listed structure that played a pivotal role in Sicily’s Risorgimento movement during Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign for Italian unification.
The Transmutation of Kufic Script in the Mediterranean: Artistic Appropriation and Institutional Identity (10th to 15th Centuries)
Pseudo-Kufic script served as a deliberate ideological tool in medieval Mediterranean art, functioning beyond mere decoration to symbolize sanctity and institutional legitimacy. This study reveals that its transformation across Byzantine, Norman Sicilian, and Italian contexts—spanning the 10th to 15th centuries—was a conscious act of cultural appropriation rather than passive imitation. Through comparative iconographic analysis, epigraphic examination, and stylistic assessment, researchers identified luxury textiles and portable objects as key vectors for Kufic forms entering Christian artistic media. The fluid boundary between authentic inscription and ornamental imitation was strategically exploited by medieval institutions to assert power and identity in multilingual, multi-confessional societies.
Petrified Power: An Initial Report on the Use of Hard-Stone Roman Spolia in Norman Sicily (Twelfth–Thirteenth Centuries)
A significant discovery reveals that Norman Sicily's rulers, particularly King Roger II, employed Roman hard-stone spolia—especially red porphyry—in an extensive and ambitious decorative program during the 12th century. This systematic reuse of classical materials was unprecedented in medieval Europe, serving as a political propaganda tool to assert the king's sovereign power over both church and state. Four notable porphyry tombs, likely housing Norman and Hohenstaufen rulers, stand out as exceptional monuments with relief-carved decorations, though their exact dates remain challenging to determine due to scarce evidence. The study also highlights the rediscovery of medieval hard-stone carving techniques, long thought lost since the fall of the western Roman Empire.
San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi
San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi, a 12th-century church in Palermo, Italy, exemplifies the architectural fusion of Norman and Arab influences during the Norman conquest. Originally attached to a leprosarium founded by Robert Guiscard and Roger I de Hauteville in 1071, the structure features austere, massive solidity and transenna windows, reflecting strong Arabic stylistic elements. Although scarce documentation complicates precise dating, historical records suggest its completion well after Palermo's conquest, with a leprosarium added by Roger II in 1119 to honor his half-brother Geoffrey, who died from leprosy. Over time, the church and hospital were managed by various religious orders, including the Teutonic knights. The study highlights the cultural synthesis of Norman-Arab architecture while emphasizing the historical significance of the site's association with leprosy care.
Between Palermo and Cefalú: The Role of the First Norman Monastic Foundations in the (Re)Christianization of the Island’s Rural Population in the Light of Archaeological Research in the Altavilla Milicia Region
Archaeological research at the monastery of Santa Maria di Campogrosso in Sicily reveals that the Christianization process under Norman rule was more rapid and extensive than previously thought. Isotopic and radiocarbon analyses of skeletal remains indicate that early burials, likely from the late 11th or early 12th century, originated outside Sicily, while later graves contained locals. This suggests a shift towards Latin Christianity, supported by architectural styles and coin evidence linked to French and northern Italian territories. The study, part of a broader research program on Norman cultural influence in medieval Europe, challenges traditional historical narratives about the pace of religious transformation.
Simon Magus in South Italy
Twelfth-century mosaics in the Cappella Palatina of Palermo and Monreale Cathedral depict a fictionalized account of Simon Magus, blending historical and mythological elements. The sequences show Peter and Paul meeting in Rome, with Peter leading a delegation, and their confrontation with Simon before Emperor Nero. A third mosaic illustrates Simon's downfall after attempting to fly, escorted by demons—a narrative echoing Icarus' myth. While the mosaics adhere closely to biblical texts when apostles are shown separately, together they introduce wholly fictitious episodes, including Simon's rebuke and subsequent fall. The study highlights how these artistic representations merge history with legend, offering insight into medieval storytelling and religious symbolism.
The Monreale Capitals and the Military Equipment of Later Norman Sicily
The Monreale Capitals, carved between 1174 and 1182 AD, represent the final installment of a significant series of Italo-Norman military sculptures. These capitals, part of the Monreale Cathedral cloister in Sicily, showcase intricate Romanesque art with notable Islamic influences, distinguishing them from similar works across Italy and southern France. The study highlights their role as a visual record of military equipment used during the later Norman period in Sicily, providing insights into the region's cultural and artistic evolution. By comparing these capitals to earlier collections, such as those at San Nicola in Bari (1099–1106 AD) and La Martorana in Palermo (1140–1143 AD), the research underscores the progression of military representation in Sicilian sculpture.
A Scan-to-BIM Approach for the Management of Two Arab-Norman Churches in Palermo (Italy)
Researchers at the University of Palermo have developed a high-accuracy digital methodology for preserving and analyzing Arab-Norman architectural heritage. By applying Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) through a Scan-to-BIM approach, they created detailed 3D models of two medieval churches in Palermo, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This method not only captured the geometric details of these structures but also integrated non-geometric data and semantic information, resulting in hierarchical digital replicas. The study produced a database of architectural elements typical of Arab-Norman style, serving as a reference for future conservation efforts and research on similar heritage sites. This approach offers a scalable solution for documenting and sharing cultural heritage data globally.
Mobile Mapping for Cultural Heritage: The Survey of the Complex of St. John of the Hermits in Palermo (Italy)
A groundbreaking survey of the St. John of the Hermits complex in Palermo, Italy, leverages handheld mobile laser scanning (HMLS) technology to rapidly capture high-resolution 3D data. This method, utilizing Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), enabled researchers to document the entire site efficiently while testing advanced point cloud filtering algorithms tailored for complex heritage environments. The findings highlight the potential of HMLS in preserving and analyzing Arab-Norman architectural sites, contributing valuable geometric information for historical and architectural assessments. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, this study underscores the significance of mobile mapping in cultural heritage conservation.
New Insight on Medieval Painting in Sicily: The Virgin Hodegetria Panel in Monreale Cathedral (Palermo, Italy)
A comprehensive analysis of the Virgin Hodegetria panel, one of Sicily's earliest medieval paintings (13th century), reveals its adherence to 13th–14th-century Italian painting techniques. The study employed a combination of non-invasive and micro-invasive methods—including X-ray radiography, multispectral imaging, ED-XRF, polarized light microscopy, ESEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy—to examine the panel's structure, materials, and conservation state. Findings indicate a complex layered composition on a wooden support, featuring gypsum and glue-based grounds, carbonaceous underdrawing, and an original palette of red ochre, red lead, azurite, and bone black. Subsequent restorations introduced mercury-based pigments and synthetic additives, while the silver frame was regilded with gold leaf. The study provides critical insights into medieval Sicilian artistry and conservation practices.
Restauri storici tra riconoscimenti e negazioni nell’interpretazione del Patrimonio Mondiale. Spunti e confronti a partire dal Percorso arabo-normanno di Palermo
Historical restorations significantly impact the recognition of monuments' values, influencing their inclusion or exclusion from UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study examines the 'Arab-Norman itinerary of Palermo,' where some monuments were excluded due to restorations conducted between the 19th and 20th centuries, while others, like the Churches of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Martorana) and San Cataldo, were included despite similar interventions. This discrepancy raises critical questions about the interpretation of authenticity in heritage preservation. The research compares these cases with other globally recognized sites, such as the Alhambra palace in Granada and the fortified city of Carcassonne, which also underwent substantial stylistic restorations yet remain part of UNESCO's heritage. By analyzing these examples, the study challenges conventional notions of authenticity and examines why some restorations are accepted while others are deemed compromising.
From Scan-to-BIM to Heritage Building Information Modelling for an Ancient Arab-Norman Church
A high-detailed 3D model of an ancient Arab-Norman church, achieved through Scan-to-BIM and photogrammetric surveying, reveals the potential and challenges of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) for monitoring and preserving UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. This study demonstrates that while HBIM can enhance the geometric representation of complex historical structures—such as those in Palermo—the process faces significant hurdles, particularly in accurately modeling unique architectural elements. The research highlights the necessity of deep expertise in historical building techniques to ensure fidelity in digital reconstructions, offering valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
Unveiling forms of participation in the governance of UNESCO world heritage sites
Research on the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale' reveals three distinct forms of participation in governance: inter-institutional agreement, social aggregation, and multi-actor collaboration. While formal decision-making processes may appear weakly participatory, an analysis of urban spaces like Cassaro Alto and Danisinni districts in Palermo uncovers a dynamic scene of engagement. The study employs qualitative methods to dissect participatory practices during the site's creation and development, offering insights into how local governance can effectively incorporate public involvement.
Palermo / Italy
Arab-Norman Palermo, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a remarkable example of cultural syncretism from the Norman Kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194). This site, comprising nine civil and religious structures—including palaces, churches, a cathedral, a bridge, and the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale—embodies the fusion of Western, Islamic, and Byzantine influences. These monuments reflect innovative concepts in space, structure, and decoration, while also serving as a testament to the coexistence of diverse cultures and religions (Muslim, Byzantine, Latin, Jewish, Lombard, and French). Despite its historical significance and the recognition it has received today, this canonization was not inevitable, as early travel literature often overlooked or misrepresented Palermo's cultural heritage. The study highlights the resilience of this heritage amid modern devastation, including the destruction during World War II and subsequent mafia-driven urban decay.
Joint interpretation of electrical and seismic data aimed at modelling the foundation soils of the Maredolce monumental complex in Palermo (Italy)
A multidisciplinary geophysical study of the Maredolce monumental complex in Palermo, Italy, has successfully reconstructed the subsoil model of an ancient artificial lake, providing critical insights for its potential restoration. The research integrated seismic refraction tomography, electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomography, multichannel analysis of surface waves, and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio analysis to assess the geotechnical conditions of the site's foundation soils. This joint interpretation, supported by cluster analysis techniques, revealed the permeability characteristics of the calcarenitic rock and underlying impermeable clays, offering technical solutions for waterproofing the lake bed as part of a broader renovation project. The findings are pivotal for preserving the historical integrity of this Arab-Norman heritage site while addressing modern engineering challenges.
Roger II of Sicily
Roger II of Sicily's ritual coronation on December 25, 1130, and its symbolic representation in the Martorana Church mosaic, reveal a strategic blend of tradition, multiculturalism, and Christocentric imagery. This analysis demonstrates how Roger II leveraged visual language—comprehensible across Arab, Norman, Greek, and Latin cultures—to legitimize his monarchy while reflecting his inclusive governance. The study highlights his respect for Muslim subjects and assimilation of diverse cultural traditions, setting a precedent for the universalist politics of his grandson Frederick II. By examining historical sources and iconography, this research underscores Sicily's unique heritage as a multicultural and multiethnic kingdom.
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