Le fortificazioni di Rutigliano: studio e ricostruzione tramite il rilievo digitale

The territory of Rutigliano (Bari), from a geomorphological point of view, is characterized by the presence of two “lame” (erosional valleys with seasonal torrent like flow): Giotta and San Giorgio, between which, in the early medieval period, a small settlement called Loco Rutigliano was estabilished. Although the existence of the settlement is traced back to the 10th century, the first certain reference is from 1059, the year in which, with a papal bull, a small, fortified village is mentioned. The village developed around a donjon (Torre Maestra), erected on a motte. This type of settlement, of North European origin, was introduced by the Normans, who are credited with the first fortifications of the village. The Torre Maestra became the central element from which urban development with a concentric layout radiated. From this central element, a trapezoidal enclosure was created, defining the perimeter of a small castle, which featured two additional towers at its remaining two corners, one likely identical to the Torre Maestra and a third tower, smaller and currently less visible. Surrounding this enclosure, a wall circuit was established, characterized by cylindrical towers and three city gates. Additionally, a postern with a drawbridge is documented as an entrance to the castle. Although studies on the reconstruction of the fortification system have already been initiated over the years, these studies are not sufficiently detailed. They are outdated and primarily based on archival research. This study aims to deepen these investigations using aerial and terrestrial photogrammetric survey methodologies, laser scanning, and 3D modeling, in order to provide new and more accurate elements for scientific reconstruction based on survey data alongside documentary evidence.