Ancient stone tower on the Sardinian coast

Unlocking History: How Analyzing Ancient Masonry Can Protect Our Future

Reese Marlowe in Culture & Society June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how studying 16th and 17th-century building techniques in Sardinian towers offers vital lessons for modern restoration and conservation efforts."

Along the coast of Sardinia, Italy, stand a series of defensive towers, silent witnesses to the 16th and 17th centuries. These towers, including the Foxi tower in the Cagliari Gulf, are more than just picturesque ruins; they're time capsules of traditional building knowledge. A recent study meticulously examined the Foxi tower's masonry, offering valuable insights into the construction techniques of the era.

This research, combining historical, architectural, and material analysis, aimed to understand how these towers were built and how they have weathered the centuries. By studying the types of stones used, the composition of the mortar, and the overall construction methods, researchers hoped to uncover secrets that could inform modern restoration practices.

The study had four main objectives: to highlight the unique building techniques of the period, improve understanding of building degradation for better restoration, identify the materials used in construction, and provide a basis for dating other contemporary buildings. The ultimate goal was to prevent inappropriate restoration attempts that could further damage these historical treasures.

Deconstructing the Foxi Tower: A Material Journey

Ancient stone tower on the Sardinian coast

The Foxi tower, like many coastal defenses in Sardinia, played a crucial role in protecting the island from invaders. Constructed during a period when Sardinia was a strategic point for both commerce and politics, these towers served as lookout points, relaying warnings of approaching danger. The towers' placement was carefully chosen to maximize visibility along the coast.

The research team adopted an archaeological approach, meticulously documenting the tower's structure through photography, architectural surveys, and material analysis. They examined the types of stones used, the composition of the mortar, and the overall construction techniques. This involved creating a detailed database to record all findings, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the tower's construction.

Key aspects of the investigation included:

Detailed mapping and documentation of the tower's structure.
Petrographic analysis of stone and mortar samples.
X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy to analyze material composition.
Historical research to contextualize the tower's construction within the broader history of Sardinian defenses.

Samples of the masonry were carefully analyzed to identify the materials used and assess their condition. This included examining the types of stones, the composition of the mortar, and the presence of any degradation. By understanding the original materials and construction methods, researchers could better assess the causes of damage and develop appropriate restoration strategies.

Lessons from the Past: Preserving Historical Structures

By understanding the materials and methods used to build these historic towers, we can develop more effective strategies for their preservation. This knowledge is not only valuable for preserving these specific structures, but also for informing the restoration of other historical buildings from the same period. This approach ensures that these valuable pieces of history are preserved for future generations, allowing them to connect with the past in a tangible way.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4081/arc.2013.e13, Alternate LINK

Title: On Site And Laboratory Investigation On The 16Th-17Th Century Masonries: The Foxi Defensive Tower (Cagliari Gulf, Sardinia, Italy)

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Open Journal of Archaeometry

Publisher: PAGEPress Publications

Authors: Caterina Giannattasio, Silvana Maria Grillo

Published: 2013-12-30

Everything You Need To Know

What specific historical structures were analyzed, and why are they considered important?

The study focused on defensive towers in Sardinia, particularly the Foxi tower in the Cagliari Gulf, which were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. These towers are significant because they offer insights into traditional building knowledge and construction techniques of that era. The researchers aimed to understand the materials used, mortar composition, and building methods to inform modern restoration practices. While the study provides a strong foundation, further investigation into the socio-economic context of the tower's construction and the daily lives of the people who built and used them would enrich our understanding.

What were the main goals of the study of the Sardinian towers, particularly the Foxi tower?

The primary objectives were to understand the unique building techniques employed, improve understanding of building degradation to facilitate better restoration, identify the specific materials used in construction, and establish a basis for dating other buildings from the same period. The overarching aim was to prevent unsuitable restoration efforts that could cause additional damage to these historical structures. A broader understanding of the environmental factors impacting material degradation over time would complement these objectives.

What methodologies were employed to analyze the construction of the Foxi tower?

Researchers meticulously documented the tower’s structure through photography, architectural surveys, and material analysis. This involved petrographic analysis of stone and mortar samples, X-ray diffraction, and optical microscopy to analyze the material composition. They also conducted historical research to contextualize the tower's construction within the broader history of Sardinian defenses. Further research into the tools and equipment used during construction, as well as the skills of the masons, would provide a more holistic view of the construction process.

How can analyzing ancient masonry, like that of the Foxi tower, help in preserving other historical structures?

Analyzing the materials and construction methods of historical structures like the Foxi tower can inform restoration efforts by providing a deeper understanding of original building techniques and materials. This knowledge helps in selecting appropriate restoration materials and methods that are compatible with the original construction, preventing further damage and ensuring the longevity of these structures. Studying the micro-organisms that contribute to material degradation could provide additional insights for preservation.

Beyond the immediate context of Sardinian towers, what broader implications does this study have for the preservation of historical buildings worldwide?

The study of the Foxi tower offers valuable insights for preserving historical buildings beyond just those in Sardinia. The principles of material analysis, understanding construction techniques, and preventing inappropriate restoration can be applied to other historical structures globally. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in conservation, combining historical research, architectural analysis, and material science to ensure that these valuable pieces of history are preserved for future generations. Investigating the impact of modern pollution on ancient materials would provide further knowledge.