Title

Author(s)

Giacomo Viscovo

Lorenzo Palladino

Giuseppe Sorrentino

Affiliation

Università di Trento

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/PYLN6977

Keywords

Ancient Center, Forma Urbis, Palimpsest

PP

990-995

How to Cite

Viscovo, Giacomo, Lorenzo Palladino, Giuseppe Sorrentino. “Urban Spolia The Case of Carminiello ai Mannesi.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 990–995. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

On February 20, 1943, a bombing in the heart of Naples’ historic center—later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—hit the church of Santa Maria del Carmine ai Mannesi, creating a void in the urban fabric. Beneath the rubble, Roman-era remains unexpectedly emerged: a catastrophic event that was unintentionally revealing. The archaeological site of Carminiello ai Mannesi stands today as a significant case of unintended urban transformation.

Unlike conventional adaptive reuse interventions, this outcome is not the result of a deliberate project but rather of an occurrence—or perhaps a non-project. While history acted arbitrarily and human response was delayed, leaving the site abandoned for decades, the ruin sits within a vibrant urban fabric shaped by informal construction. This unique case offers a space where the ruin itself becomes a critical device. Its distinctive feature lies in placing all historical layers—from Roman architecture to post-war residential constructions—on the same level, both literally and metaphorically.

Resonating with contemporary adaptive reuse theories that view built heritage as a dynamic palimpsest rather than a static artifact, this story raises crucial questions about conservation across different historical eras. Rather than correcting the site through imposed values, it suggests listening to its fluid condition. Carminiello ai Mannesi reflects the deepest nature of historic centers: a continual layering of materials and stories—urban spolia to be reassembled into ever-new functional orders.

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.