Title

Author(s)

Alberto Ferraresi

Affiliation

AAFerraresi

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/SCBL2118

Keywords

Restoration, Historical Findings, Rehabilitation

PP

366-372

How to Cite

Ferraresi, Alberto. “Former Saint Dominic Convent in Pesaro Natural Renewal of Religious Memory.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 366–372. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

The heritage of abandoned religious architecture defines a specific disciplinary chapter on the subject of adaptive reuse, since it combines technical complexity of transformation and awareness of the necessary contemporary innovations, with the memory of pre-existing structures and of the spirituality of the community who animated them. The rehabilitation project of the former Saint Dominic convent in Pesaro is a clear example of this.
The complex bears witness to the Dominican presence since the 13th century, starting with a chapel, later incorporated into the Saint Dominic Church. The transformative instances of the church wing on the square to insert commercial activities marked the city’s history. The complex expanded from the basilica on pre-existing buildings to reach the Charity Church. Since the early 20th century, Saint Dominic Church has transformed in Art Nouveau style and is now the headquarters of the local Post Office; the south wing of the convent became an art school; the internal connecting volumes were demolished and the cloisters converted into the city market.
The Municipality promoted the project by arch. Guido Canali for the establishment of university spaces. The project evokes lost spatial atmospheres by reconstructing the demolished buildings and restoring the internal cloisters. The proposal of pedestrian galleries into the greenery and of widespread pergolas over which creepers extend, innovate the project. Nature regenerates the common squares and inspires students and teachers.
Ongoing investigations lead to the implementation of the identity contents of this religious architecture. The excavation of tombs, the frescoes on the life of Saint George, the painted surfaces in the area of the Charity Church, guide us in rethinking the project during the execution: the generative spiritual seed of the complex is an integral part of the current history of the city and the community that lives there.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.