At the end of the 15th century, the threat of Turkish raids prompted Viceroy Juan Dusay to strengthen the fortifications of Cagliari. To reinforce the northern side of the Castello district’s city walls, a bulwark and a moat were built adjoining the medieval San Pancrazio tower. This defensive system soon became obsolete with the spread of firearms and was later modified by military engineers. In the 19th century, it became the Prison Hospital and later the warehouse of the Archaeological Superintendence. For many years, the San Pancrazio complex was used as a storage for materials from excavations by the Archaeological Superintendence, while a project drafted by Raffaello Delogu in the 1930s planned to use these spaces for exhibition purposes. Subsequently, the historical and monumental importance of the complex led to a rethink of its function towards a museum destination. With funds from the Lotto Game, the necessary works were financed to create an exhibition space for collections acquired into the State’s heritage, recovering the architectural and defensive values of the complex. To preserve spatial unity, a structure made of steel supporting elements was chosen, holding a wooden slat floor, which allows appreciation of the original elements of the ancient structures.
Information on San Pancrazio Space
Citadel of Museums – Piazza Arsenale, 1
Cagliari (Cagliari)
070662496
marcella.serreli@beniculturali.it
https://www.sbappsaecaor.beniculturali.it
Source: MIBACT
