Catene e muratura, un binomio ricorrente nella tradizione seicentesca genovese. Il caso del Quartiere Galata nel porto di Genova

The “Quartiere Galata” building, now home to Sea and Navigation Museum inside the ancient port, is the transformation of the historic dockyard of the Republic of Genoa. It was built at the end of XVIth century and it has an imposing structure, even if partially obscured by subsequent changes. The original design was based on pillars and archs, with large spans, using materials like limestone marl quarries and brick Genoese also coming from the furnaces of the territory. Eight great "Arches" define the space within which the Republic of Genoa built and / or repaired ships of its fleet between the XVI and XVIII century . Each section is about 10 meters in width by 70 meters in length, the whole construction rests on a foundation to wooden stakes. The whole structure is held together by a complex system of inter-connected iron elements that stabilize brick and stone walls. This building technique has been recognized, analyzed and understood during several research phases, that started before the restoration yard, last phases are active now. In historical times, the most innovative solutions, the best materials and best processes were first used in the structures of the port; the Republic of Genoa with a very wise and farsighted policy wisely invested in those sectors that were vital for her. It is no coincidence, therefore, what emerged from the structures of the Arsenal but once more in 'allows you to fully understand a part of the construction history of Genoa starting from his own structures highlighting a degree of knowledge and culture which then influenced not only the surrounding area but also had a much broader scope.