The Sanctuary of Castel Petroso: reflections on architectural representation,

This paper is the result of wider research that aims to create a link between the most prestigious architectural complexes in Molise, independently of their function, period of construction and state of preservation, the intention being to catalogue and document them, but also to create tourist itineraries. In this specific case, the complex in question is the sanctuary of the Madonna Addolorata at Castel Petroso, a late 19th century Neo-Gothic design by the engineer Francesco Gualandi. It is a unique example of its type in this regional territory and its construction was a long and difficult process. This research has looked at documents, letters, drawings, and photographs with the aim of reconstructing the building’s history and its design process. Documentation belonging to the bishop’s see of Campobasso, the architect’s papers belonging housed in the Archiginnasio Library, Bologna, and those of some local cultural associations were examined as part of this activity. The research uncovered a substantial amount of information that provides an understanding of the choices behind the decision to build such an original and important structure for the Marian cult in this poor and uncontaminated area. The inductive methodology used to analyse the drawings has made it possible to appreciate the building’s conceptual, formal, distributive, structural, technological, and theological aspects.