Le finiture delle murature in laterizio nei cantieri religiosi del XII e XIII secolo. Ricerche in corso

The numerous Cistercian and Canonical abbeys of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that are preserved in the north-west of Italy constitute an important heritage for the study of construction techniques, materials and surface finishes. In this essay we present some results from the Staffarda, Morimondo and Vercelli abbeys, in which the masonry textures, mortar joints and surface finishes demonstrate solutions of great interest. From the researches emerges the operative process related to the qualification of the masonry, that defines a strong interrelation between the construction components, the architectonic elements and the decorative apparatus, made through the surface treatments of materials. The study of the constructive choices that specifically concern the finishing treatments, although not always fully preserved, also allows to identify the organization, management and origin of masters of work active in the different construction site.