Virtual medieval fortress experience debuts in Acquaviva Picena

The Fortress of Acquaviva Picena in the province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche, has undergone a new musealization focusing on its history and architectural evolution. Originally an early medieval outpost, it became a solid castle under the Acquaviva family, feudal lords of the Swabian dynasty and protagonists of Frederick II's exploits around the early 13th century. Its strategic position made it the subject of numerous sieges, meticulously reconstructed in a 3D film showing the fortress's transformation following the introduction of firearms. At the end of the 15th century, Baccio Pontelli converted it into a rocca, reinforcing the very high walls with large overhangs to protect against the shots of the nascent artillery. The reconstruction was made possible by accurate historical research, study of excavations, comparison of documents, and laser scanning of the entire monument. The project, commissioned by the Municipality of Acquaviva Picena, began with a long restoration of the fortress and continued with the installation of new didactic panels, a tactile path for the visually impaired featuring two models of the fortress (one from the 14th century and the other as it is today), and the creation of the video "La Fortezza nel Tempo" viewable with an Oculus Go headset, produced by JM – Multimedia Developer in collaboration with Riccardo Pallotto and Federica Candelaresi.