Fortificazioni vicereali in Calabria meridionale. I castelli di Oppido, Bovalino Superiore e Monasterace

From the early years of 16th century in Calabria it was inaugurated the research of new model of fortresses. In most cases they were interventions on medieval fortifications in which the new structures were added, simply juxtaposed to the pre-existing structures with an operation of addition without covering the original forms. Instead, in other cases the medieval structure was incorporated and it disappeared completely in the new facies of the castle. This occurred, for example, in Oppido (RC), but also in Bovalino (RC) and in Monasterace (RC) in southern Calabria. These three cases will be presented; they are very interesting because the chosen typology was the square plan with bastions at the corners, that is the typology who enjoyed greater favour in all the Viceroyalty. The state of preservation of the three fortifications is not homogeneous. Oppido e Bovalino are just monumental ruins, while the castle of Monasterace is completely intact, although the continued use has transformed its original forms.