The Averinga’s Edicola and the Cult of Water in Palermo. From Knowledge to Valorisation

We propose here a multidisciplinary approach to the study of a unique historical landmark, currently in a state of great disrepair the “Edicola dell’Averinga”. It was built in 1587 by the Senate of Palermo to protect the Ayn Rutah (Arabic for “Averinga”) spring: from here, the water would then be collected and funnelled towards fertile gardens and dwellings near the city walls. The study of this cryptic artefact was possible thanks to a number of fundamental processes, such as the historical and architectural investigation, the retrieval of documentation both iconographic and archival, the analysis of constructive methodologies and building materials employed, and the application of current surveying and representation systems. It was then possible to propose a series of guidelines for intervention aimed to conciliate the conservation practice with an opportunity for valorisation and promotion.