I precetti di Francesco di Giorgio Martini e riscontri nel Castello Aragonese di Taranto

The work of the Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini is widely discussed within the scientific debate regarding the construction of the Aragonese Castle of Taranto. To date, the discussion is essentially based on two hypotheses: the first suggests the presence of the Sienese architect in Terra d’Otranto during the last two decades of the 15th century, during a journey to the Kingdom of Naples alongside Duke Alfonso I of Calabria. The second hypothesis proposes that Francesco di Giorgio Martini may have contributed to the construction of the fortress indirectly, through directives and design plans that were subsequently executed.Therefore, it has been considered appropriate to verify whether the principles of Martini’s architecture, as outlined by the Sienese architect in his Trattato di Architettura Civile e Militare, can be found in the Taranto castle, thus validating the possible attribution to the great architect. The analysis has particularly focused on two main themes: the towers (Book V, Chapters IV-VIII) (the Annunziata Tower and San Lorenzo Tower) and the chapel dedicated to San Leonardo (Book IV, Chapters III-VI).Furthermore, a comparative architectural and constructional analysis was carried out both on the towers of the Taranto castle and on the religious building, in comparison with other works attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini.