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Postignano medieval village in Umbria
History
The Castello di Postignano is a medieval hamlet founded between the 9th and 10th century A.D. on the slopes of a hill along the road connecting Spoleto, Foligno, Norcia and Assisi. The hamlet is of triangular shape, topped with a watchtower, and was built by its dwellers, who were farmers and craftsmen. Foligno and Spoleto contended for its possession over the centuries. Between the 14th and 15th century A.D. the hamlet thrived on a flourishing economy based on agriculture, forestry, textile and metal crafts. Starting from the 18th century its population began dwindling and at the beginning of the 19th century a large number of inhabitants emigrated, mainly to the USA.
In 1979 the American architect and photographer Norman Carver Jr. published the book "Italian Hilltowns". He described Castello di Postignano as the archetype of the Italian hilltowns, dedicating the book cover to it. The progressive depopulation of the hamlet led to its deterioration, which was worsened by the 1997 earthquake.
In 2004 the Ministry for Culture and the Environment classified Postignano as monument of national interest. MIRTO purchased the hamlet and in 2007 began extensive restoration works on the buildings and the art these contained. The restoration was carried out with partial contribution by the Regione Umbria.
The Restoration
The restoration brought back the hamlet’s original features, while at the same time consolidating its structure according to the anti-seismic regulations. Modern technologies were adopted, making it possible to achieve a high degree of thermal and acoustic insulation, in respect of energy-efficiency considerations. Traditional materials were employed throughout, for doors and windows, fireplaces, flooring and the restoration of external architectural elements.
The original Church was dedicated to St. Primiano, whose cult was widespread in Valnerina from the early 9th century A.D. In 1333 the Church changed its dedication to St. Lorenzo. When MIRTO acquired the hamlet a layer of pale lime plaster covered a large part of the persbytery wall in the church, leaving only a few images in view. During the restoration process, before the 1997 earthquake, the frescoes covering the whole end wall were restored; these were dated to the mid 16th century and attributed to the school of De Magistris, called "Il Caldarola".
Following the 1997 seismic event the newly restored wall collapsed, revealing a much earlier one with a fresco depicting a Crucifixion, dated to the end of the 15th century. The restoration of the complex of frescoes in the church was eventually completed in 2010. In the process of the hamlet restoration another group of frescoes was discovered, in one of the houses, possibly the chapel of an ancient convent. These depict a Crucifixion, a Madonna and a custodian angel. The restoration brought back its considerable quality, as well as the date and name of who commissioned it.
