Analysis and Strategies for the Conservation and Enhancement of Abandoned Villages in Southern Italy: The Case of Castrum Vayrani

The present study investigates the fortified village of Vairano Patenora - also known as Castrum Vayrani - in the northwestern province of Caserta, near Naples. This site is integral to the historic network of fortifications established in the Campania region of southern Italy during the 8th and 9th centuries A.D., located between the Casilina Road and the Volturno River. Over time, the strategic significance of these settlements has diminished, contributing to depopulation and a pronounced state of decay. This research examined the intricate aggregation system of the urban fabric within Castrum Vayrani, focusing on the diverse building typologies that compose it and their spatial arrangement in the territory’s orography. Particular emphasis is placed on significant architectural elements within the historic settlement, including the Norman castle, the Swabian Church of San Tommaso, the entrance portals, and the Angevin towers positioned along the defensive walls. Utilising innovative analytical tools and previously unpublished documentation from local archives, this study investigated the historical, formal, functional, technological, and material aspects of these buildings. Attention is also directed towards the traditional construction techniques prominent in the area, such as “irregular masonry with periodic layers” constructed from local limestone. Finally, the research elucidates potential causes of structural instability and degradation, aiming to propose best practices for the restoration of this cultural heritage. The approach seeks to harmonize opportunities for reuse with the preservation of both material and intangible values, drawing inspiration from recent successful revitalization projects in comparable Italian villages. The objective of this paper is to draw attention to an exemplary case of an abandoned historic settlement, thereby enhancing the understanding of its historical, urban, and architectural significance. Furthermore, it aims to define potential intervention strategies for the effective conservation and enhancement of this uniquely significant heritage.