The Museum of Defensive Systems in Europe, in the Citadel of Alexandria

• Anna Marotta ^[1]
  1. [1] Polytechnic University of Turin

     Polytechnic University of Turin

     Torino, Italia

     
• Localización: FORTMED 2026. Defensive Architecture of the Mediterranean Vol XXIV / Michele Russo (ed. lit.), Marta Acierno (ed. lit.), 2026, ISBN 978-84-1396-413-3, págs. 407-414
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
  • Texto Completo Libro
• Resumen

  • This contribution is part of the CoE’s Community Heritage Project for the Citadel of Alessandria (Marotta, 2023) and stems from the Fortress’s primary intrinsic character: that of being a ‘living anthology’ of military architecture. This has led to the proposal for a Museum of European Defensive Systems: to scientifically confirm its importance, but also to educate about the knowledge, valorization, and dissemination of this historic asset, according to an integrated and participatory model of enjoyment. This will also involve creating ‘quality international cultural tourism’ itineraries through a specialized network (from the Alessandria defense district to the European network), starting from the identity-building territory of the Citadel and the city. The methodological core of the initiative will be a shared vision by the Scientific Committee (already established, (Marotta, 2025), which will structure the exhibition (to be divided into examples and thematic sections) following a systematic and interdisciplinary approach. For the first 130 fortresses identified, the basic descriptions - some already completed - are drawn up according to the Logical Survey Project method (Abello, 2013), structured using keywords, criteria, and parameters that allow for systematic comparison. For the material realization, the active collaboration with the MiC (SABAP Superintendency) is confirmed, which has already identified the Caserma Montesanto as the museum site; support from the Piedmont Region is included. The Museum’s financial plan can be summarized in three key areas: 1- Initial investment; 2- Full-scale financial management; 3.- Definition of the financial break-even point, necessary to assess the project’s overall sustainability, entrusted to competent experts (nationally and internationally) specializing in: Economics of Cultural Heritage and Activities, Fundraising for Cultural Heritage, and Third Sector Law .4- The use of digital marketing and communication systems, including for awareness and dissemination, is essential, and these are also entrusted to industry professionals.