Un’originale architettura storica nella Piana di Sibari. Il Castello-Masseria di San Mauro

The Castle-Farm of Saint Mauro is a relevant architectural ensemble and represents one of the most interesting models of Renaissance architecture in Calabria. The building dates back to the 16th century, probably on the remains of a medieval monastery. The set of buildings has unusual features, in relation to its location in open countryside, the morphology of structural components, the dual and atypical functionality of military defensive fortress and agro-food logistics center for a vast territory. The paper presents the results of a historical research, aimed at an anamnesis of the building, a series of architectural elements derived from a field survey, some results from laboratory analyses on materials samples. In the overall and in conclusion, technical suggestions are proposed for a targeted and effective action of recovery, restoration and enhancement of the monumental complex.