Abstract. The archaeological record of the Sultanate of Oman speaks of the use of mudbricks (adobes) and mud plaster as key building materials over a long chronological range from the Early Bronze Age (late 4th / 3rd millennium BC) to the Late Iron Age at least (first centuries BC). Traditional earthen architecture perpetuated this scenario until modern times when the discovery of oil brought along deep transformations in the local economy and way of living. This long-lasting tradition has provided the necessary means to cope with the problem of mudbrick structures conservation on the prominent archaeological site of Salūt, in central Oman, where substantial mudbrick walls were discovered, dating to the second half of the second millennium BC and beyond. In fact, exploiting the life-long experience in mud-based masonry of a local mason turned out to be the best (and arguably only) way of consolidating and protecting the ancient structures. This strategy not only is definitely a sustainable one, as only readily accessible and largely available natural materials were employed, but it also helps to revive a locally rooted skill that seriously risks being forgotten due to the lack of interest in younger generations. With this aim in mind, a survey and recording of the local terminology connected with the tools and techniques of mud-based masonry were also carried out. This paper will account for the various stages of the work that led to the final restoration and conservation of the site. The use of different media – pictures, drawings, videos – reflects the comprehensive approach towards this fundamental issue. The recent development of the project included the preparation of mud plasters made following different procedures in order to achieve a better visual impact and a lower static load on the structures.

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The restoration of Massafra’ Castle (TA)Massafra Castle’s restoration project aims to preserve and enhance the monument, redeeming it from the current state of partial abandonment, with the scope to return it to the community. First, an in-depth study of an historical research was carried out together with the analysis of the monument’ superficial and structural degradation to identify the adequate remedies. It was clear that “restoring only the stones” would have not been efficient and therefore finding a new purpose was necessary and essential. Finding a new scope for those kinds of architectures is a matter of great interest, because more than any other type of monuments, those are completely out of their historical context that gave them political, military and economic reason to be built. Therefore, following a sociological investigation, it emerged that the best solution would be create a connection between Massafra and cinematography: there are many cultural organizations in this area and most of them need more dedicated space. Massafra has already been chosen several times as a movie set by famous authors: Il Vangelo secondo Matteo by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Il Paese delle spose infelici by Pippo Mezzapesa and Amiche da morire by Giorgia Farina. This is how the MOVIE (Massafra Omni Vision between Innovation and Cultural Heritage) idea was born, a 360° cinema setting which is unique at a national level and that it would become part of larger cinematographic circuit already flourishing in the Apulia region. The project’s feasibility was then evaluated from a logistic-economic point of view. Furthermore, given the Castle’s location, the project proposes the reopening of ancient paths that connect the monument to the historical town centre and to the Ravine. The project also supports the restoration of rock settlements with its cave houses (currently completely collapsed) that surround the castle’s foundation to divulge hospitality.

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