Castrum et feudum Ralsuctani in Valle Demine Sicilie Regni et in territorio Terre Petralie Superioris: notes for restoration and conservation

The considerable expansion of fortresses in various parts of Sicily began in the first half of the 14th century, caused by the strong crisis of the monarchy, but also by the rise of large noble families who ruled over vast areas, sometimes fighting among themselves. The comital fiefdoms were often characterised by the presence of castles and towers, which served as symbols of power and control over the territory. The towers, usually smaller than the castles, were often located in villages or along roads, to control the territory and warn of any threats. Among these, this study focuses in particular on the Castrum of Ralsuctani which, as reported by Giovanni Luca Barberi in the Capibrevi, is actually a spacious two-storey tower located at an altitude of 480 m, not far from the town of Resuttano, in the province of Caltanissetta (Italy). The long periods of abandonment have led to the collapse of some parts of the building, where signs of interventions carried out in different periods are still visible, such as an interesting spiral staircase, the slits, and the rooms on the main floor. This contribution presents the results of careful and meticulous archival research that certifies the succession of different owners from the 14th century to the present day. It also aims to present the results of investigations into the remains of masonry structures still present in the area, which are part of a farm built at different times against the tower wall. Through a graphic reconstruction based on updated survey methods, the state of conservation of the monument will be shown, following modern analysis methodologies, together with strategies for a proposal for the restoration and reuse of the Castrum of Ralsuctani.