Maria Francesca Porcella, Raffaella Carta

Il Complesso monastico di S. Domenico: aspetti e problemi

Introduction

Il complesso monastico di s. Domenico: aspetti e problemi. Scopri il complesso monastico di San Domenico a Cagliari. Indagini archeologiche durante il restauro rivelano ceramiche medievali (XIV-XIX sec.) che illuminano la storia del convento, i traffici commerciali della Sardegna e la vita locale.

Abstract

In occasione dei lavori di restauro nel complesso conventuale di San Domenico in Cagliari, condotti a partire dalla metà degli anni ’80 del secolo scorso dalla Soprintendenza ai Beni A.P.S.A.E. di Cagliari e Oristano in collaborazione con la competente Soprintendenza Archeologica, sono state indagate diverse aree del chiostro che hanno restituito numerose ceramiche medievali e post medievali appartenenti ad un ampio arco cronologico (XIV-XIX) e a diverse aree di produzione, quali la Liguria, la Toscana, il Lazio, la Campania e la Penisola Iberica insieme a numerose testimonianze di produzione locale. La presenza di questo materiale testimonia, da una parte, il persistere nel tempo di alcuni assi privilegiati nei traffici commerciali della Sardegna (versante tirrenico e levantino), dall’altra fornisce importanti informazioni sulle vicende architettoniche del convento domenicano e sulla vita della comunità religiosa e del quartiere storico di Villanova. [ultima revisione Gennaio 2018]

Review

The paper, "Il Complesso monastico di S. Domenico: aspetti e problemi," presents a compelling overview of significant archaeological and historical research conducted during extensive restoration efforts at the San Domenico convent in Cagliari. Stemming from work initiated in the mid-1980s by the Soprintendenza, this research leverages a multidisciplinary approach involving both architectural and archaeological oversight. A primary strength lies in the rich material culture unearthed, particularly a substantial collection of medieval and post-medieval ceramics. These findings, spanning a wide chronological range (14th-19th centuries), originate from diverse production centers across Liguria, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, and the Iberian Peninsula, alongside evidence of local production. This broad geographic and temporal scope immediately signals the potential for a nuanced understanding of Cagliari's historical context. The abstract effectively highlights the dual significance of these ceramic discoveries. Firstly, they vividly illustrate the enduring trade connections of Sardinia, particularly with the Tyrrhenian and Levantine regions, underscoring the island's historical integration into broader Mediterranean commercial networks. Secondly, and perhaps more intriguingly, the material evidence promises to shed considerable light on the architectural evolution of the Dominican convent itself, offering insights into its construction phases, modifications, and daily life within the religious community. Furthermore, the findings are poised to contribute valuable information to the socio-economic history of the surrounding Villanova historic district, enriching our understanding of urban development and community dynamics over several centuries. The integration of archaeological data with historical architectural records offers a powerful methodology for reconstructing past realities. While the abstract provides a strong foundation, the full paper should elaborate on the "aspects and problems" mentioned in the title. A detailed methodological section outlining the excavation strategies, ceramic analysis techniques, and criteria for dating and provenance would greatly enhance the work's scientific rigor. The abstract hints at "problemi" but does not specify them; clarifying these issues and how the archaeological evidence helps address them would be crucial. Moreover, the review would benefit from a more explicit discussion of how specific ceramic types or assemblages correlate with particular architectural phases or aspects of community life, moving beyond general statements to precise interpretations. Future research might also delve deeper into comparative analyses with other contemporary monastic sites in Sardinia or the wider Mediterranean, further contextualizing the San Domenico findings.

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