Archeolocial Site of Eraclea Minoa
Our rethinking of the archaeological area of the Greek theater of Heraclea Minoa, in Sicily, embraces the ongoing connection between past and present, focusing on ephemeral, which influences and unites past and present, in continuous change and becoming.
The project aims to preserve and enhance the architectural and archaeological landscape, deepening the site’s understanding of its evolution for visitors and archaeologists. Thus, it is composed of various parallel and coinciding themes, organized on three overlapping levels. They are concertized through concrete solutions along the new grid, which is defined by the main architectural elements, the routes, the architectural devices, and the natural elements.
The first level redefines the archaeological site’s path. The renewed Antiquarium is the starting point for the visits, hosting exhibits, educational spaces, and archaeologist labs. From this point, three new itineraries offer different experiences, all part of the continuous development of the site:
- the first, fully accessible, connects visitors to the theater, domus, and walls, providing a general understanding of the site's history;- the second path explores the ancient city's relationship with the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views of it;- the third path offers a comprehensive look at Heraclea Minoa's urban extent, highlighting its historical phases.
The third spatial level integrates and strengthens the project’s design solution with the ongoing site modification. Along the intersections of the spatial grid, in correspondence with the main architectural elements and paths, small and sell-sufficient dismountable architectural objects are placed to support the activities of visits, educational activities, and archaeological excavation.
The second spatial level involves the theater and its new cover, the domus and its protective structure, the walls’ boundaries, and the re-proposition of their materiality. These elements engage with the present environment, offering fresh perspectives and evoking the city's historical forms.
The architectural elements and natural features along the paths enhance visitors' experience, offering tools to understand the complex area and foster new cultural insights. At the same time, the project supports archaeologists, merging scientific, cultural, and institutional efforts to make the site accessible to everyone.
Greek theater of Eraclea Minoa
Valorization of the archeological site
CodeATEProgramLandscape, culturalDimension12,8 haPlaceEraclea Minoa (AG)Year2023DesignPlaC + NovarinoJendrasDesign teamAndrea Alessio, Ilaria, Ariolfo, Davide Barreri, Marta Grignani, Marco Gherardi, Matteo Novarino, Magdalena JendrasClientPublicStatusCompetition
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