Restaurare la Basilica di San Domenico significa lavorare su un equilibrio sottile, dove materia, arte e devozione appartengono alla stessa narrazione. Il progetto non si limita a conservare un edificio, ma rinnova la possibilità di abitare un luogo che da secoli accoglie preghiera, memoria e bellezza. Un intervento che restituisce forza alla struttura, dignità agli spazi e continuità a una presenza che appartiene alla storia di Bologna e al patrimonio religioso italiano.

Basilica of San Domenico

Basilica of San Domenico

Restoration of the Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna

A place of prayer, art, and memory

In the heart of Bologna, overlooking the square that bears its name, the Basilica of San Domenico preserves eight centuries of history, faith, and beauty. Founded shortly after the death of Dominic de Guzmán in 1221, the basilica grew over time as a living architectural organism, moving through different chapters of art and architecture, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, from the Baroque period to twentieth-century restorations. Inside, works of exceptional value coexist: the Ark of Saint Dominic, enriched by sculptures by Michelangelo and Nicola Pisano; the wooden choir by Fra’ Damiano da Bergamo; and paintings by Guercino, Filippino Lippi, and Ludovico Carracci. The 51-meter-high Gothic bell tower has watched over the complex since 1313, marking one of Bologna’s most meaningful spiritual landmarks.

An integrated restoration for a living architecture

The restoration and enhancement project was developed to protect a fragile, layered monument without interrupting its liturgical function or its daily role in the life of the city. The intervention involves the roofs, timber structures, clay tile coverings, attic masonry, historic flooring, surfaces affected by moisture, the service courtyard, wooden furnishings, selected works of art, and internal building systems. The works include the recovery and reintegration of existing elements, the improvement of the most delicate structural areas, the restoration of deteriorated surfaces, the repair of Venetian terrazzo flooring, the updating of the heating system, the renewal of the central nave lighting, and the upgrading of the sound system, with solutions designed to improve comfort and usability without altering the spiritual and architectural character of the spaces.

The measure of the project: preserving without imposing

ENGLOBE’s approach interprets restoration as an act of listening. Every design choice is aimed at keeping the basilica’s history legible, avoiding invasive interventions and favoring solutions capable of supporting the building over time. The construction site is organized to coexist with the religious life of the place, respecting the movement of worshippers, the celebration of Mass, and the contemplative nature of the interiors.

A heritage site returned to the continuity of time

Restoring the Basilica of San Domenico means working on a delicate balance, where matter, art, and devotion belong to the same narrative. The project does not simply preserve a building; it renews the possibility of inhabiting a place that has welcomed prayer, memory, and beauty for centuries. It is an intervention that restores strength to the structure, dignity to the spaces, and continuity to a presence deeply rooted in the history of Bologna and in Italy’s religious heritage.

Why is the Basilica of San Domenico one of Bologna’s most treasured churches?

Why is the Basilica of San Domenico one of Bologna’s most treasured churches?

Because it brings together religious history, art, and urban memory in a single place. Built by the Dominican Friars to honor the figure of their founder, Saint Dominic de Guzmán, who arrived in Bologna in the 13th century, the basilica preserves its spiritual heart in the Ark of Saint Dominic. This monument, which holds the Saint’s remains, is enriched by sculptures also attributed to the hand of Michelangelo, making the basilica not only an important place of worship, but also a fundamental landmark in the history of Italian art.

What musical curiosity is connected to the basilica?

What musical curiosity is connected to the basilica?

The Basilica of San Domenico also preserves the organ on which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart practiced during his time in Bologna, adding a remarkable musical memory to the history of the complex.

PLACE

Bologna (BO)

CLIENT

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Technical and Economic Feasibility Study
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Cultural
Religious

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Dott.ssa Lucia Palma
Englobe

Progetto di restauro e rifunzionalizzazione del Palazzo Cisterna di Biella

Palazzo Cisterna

Palazzo Cisterna

Restoration and adaptive reuse of Palazzo Cisterna in Biella

Restoration, conservation, and functional adaptive reuse

ENGLOBE was responsible for the Technical and Economic Feasibility Project (PFTE) for the restoration and adaptive reuse of Palazzo Cisterna, a listed historic building located in the Piazzo district, within the historic center of Biella.

Promoted by the Piedmont Region, the project is part of a broader strategy for the enhancement of public heritage, with the aim of assigning the building a contemporary use fully compatible with its historical and architectural value.

A new hub for local Public Administrations

The project envisions the transformation of Palazzo Cisterna into an integrated service hub for Public Administrations, accommodating institutional functions, workspaces, public-facing areas, and facilities for educational and cultural activities.

The design strategy combines heritage protection, functional modernization, and accessibility, ensuring public use of the building and its reintegration into the urban fabric of the Piazzo district.

Design approach and intervention strategy

The building is characterized by a complex historical stratification, developed between the 13th and 17th centuries and shaped by subsequent functional transformations.

The project adopts a conservation-oriented approach, aimed at preserving and enhancing existing architectural features, limiting invasive interventions and favoring compatible, reversible, and clearly legible solutions.

All design decisions were developed in compliance with heritage and landscape protection regulations pursuant to Legislative Decree 42/2004 and in coordination with the relevant Heritage Authority.

Architectural design and functional layout

The spatial reorganization of the building is structured around the internal courtyard, which acts as the main distribution and organizational core.

The two historic entrances from Piazza Cisterna and Piazza Cucco have been preserved and enhanced, ensuring equal functional hierarchy and full accessibility.

The project includes:

  • public-facing and reception areas on the ground floor, including reception and café spaces within historic, frescoed rooms;
  • smart working areas and administrative offices for Public Administration staff;
  • conference halls and representative spaces located in the most architecturally significant levels;
  • temporary exhibition areas and storage spaces at basement level;
  • multipurpose classrooms and temporary accommodation for students and visiting faculty on the upper floors.

Special attention has been given to the removal of architectural barriers, with the inclusion of an elevator system developed through two alternative design solutions (internal and external), defined in agreement with the Heritage Authority.

Seismic improvement and structural interventions

The structural design focuses on the seismic improvement of the building through localized repair and strengthening measures, fully respecting traditional construction techniques.

The adopted solutions prioritize minimal invasiveness, material compatibility, and improved global structural behavior, with targeted interventions on masonry walls and timber floor systems.

Building systems, safety, and fire prevention

The building is equipped with an integrated building services system designed to ensure comfort, efficiency, and safety.

Although the building does not fall under mandatory fire safety certification procedures, the project adopts the Italian Fire Prevention Code as a reference framework, with specific attention to listed buildings open to the public.
The design also includes access control systems, video surveillance, and differentiated user flow management in response to the multiple functions hosted within the building.

Restoration and enhancement of decorative elements

The restoration project is based on a detailed stratigraphic analysis of interior surfaces.

Interventions include the conservation of existing decorative layers, the recovery of historic wall paintings, mitigation of moisture-related deterioration, and the enhancement of valuable architectural elements, all developed in close coordination with the Construction Management team and the Heritage Authority.

PLACE

Biella (BI)

CLIENT

Regione Piemonte

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Technical and Economic Feasibility Study
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Conservative Rehabilitation
Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Cultural
Exhibition
Institutional
Museum
Residential

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Englobe
Geol. Manuela Pallozzi
Phigroup s.r.l.
Rest. Riccardo Moselli

Restauro e riqualificazione di Palazzo Vallemani ad Assisi ENGLOBE Progettazione Integrata

Palazzo Vallemani

Palazzo Vallemani

Restoration and Redevelopment of Palazzo Vallemani

A cultural landmark in the heart of Assisi

The restoration and redevelopment of Palazzo Vallemani in Assisi represent a key intervention to preserve and enhance one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. Located in the heart of the old town, just a few steps from the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Palazzo stands as a symbol of Assisi’s architectural heritage and a vital meeting place for the local community.

Regeneration supported by the PNRR

Funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the project aims to restore the Palazzo’s full functionality while integrating new uses that strengthen its civic and cultural role. The intervention includes:

  • the recovery of areas assigned to local cultural associations,

  • the redevelopment of outdoor spaces and adjacent urban pathways,

  • the improvement of accessibility through new vertical connection systems.

Balancing heritage and innovation

The design approach combines respect for historical and artistic value with the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance sustainability, safety, and comfort. The restoration focuses on preserving the Palazzo’s original architectural features while ensuring inclusive and accessible spaces for all users.

A renewed center for culture and community

Through this project, Palazzo Vallemani is set to become once again a vibrant hub of culture, social life, and identity for the city of Assisi — a place where historical memory and contemporary design coexist in perfect balance.

PLACE

Assisi (PG)

CLIENT

Centrale Unica di Committenza Assisi - Bastia Umbra - Cannara

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Final design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Technical and Economic Feasibility Study
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Cultural
Multifunctional

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Arch. Maurizio Sabatino Pirocchi
Energi S.r.l.
Englobe
Geol. Alberto Antinori

Rocca Roveresca di Senigallia | Restauro e Risanamento Conservativo dei Fronti Storici

Rocca Roveresca

Rocca Roveresca

Restoration and Conservative Remediation of Historic Fronts

The Rocca Roveresca in Senigallia, located in Piazza del Duca in the heart of the Marche town, is one of the most important historic monuments in the region. The project for the conservative rehabilitation and restoration of the external façades of the monumental complex aimed to ensure its preservation, structural safety, and architectural enhancement—safeguarding a landmark building that embodies the identity of the city.

A monument of historical and architectural significance

Built between the 14th and 15th centuries on the remains of an earlier Roman tower, the Rocca Roveresca is an extraordinary example of Renaissance military architecture. Originally erected as a defensive stronghold of the Papal States, it was expanded over the centuries by the Malatesta and Della Rovere families, eventually taking on its current quadrilateral layout with four circular towers connected by ramparts and crowned with Istrian stone corbels.

Today, the Rocca is managed by the Regional Directorate of Museums of the Marche and is among the most visited sites of the region’s architectural heritage—thanks also to the restoration efforts that have ensured its preservation and continued accessibility to the public.

Conservation-driven interventions

The project involved targeted conservation and restoration work on the external façades, including:

  • Rehabilitation of the brick masonry facing

  • Restoration and structural consolidation of the stone elements

The intervention followed the principles of integrated conservation, prioritizing material compatibility and reversibility. All operations were supported by an extensive diagnostic campaign carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Camerino and Marche Polytechnic University, involving laser scanner surveys, mechanical analyses, and seismic vulnerability studies.

The construction site was organized into three operational phases, with progressive work on the different sides of the Rocca to ensure safety and continuity of museum activities.

Enhancing cultural heritage

The restoration of the Rocca Roveresca in Senigallia stands as a model of heritage preservation and enhancement: an intervention that combines traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation.
Through this project, the Rocca once again becomes a cultural and symbolic landmark for the city and the Marche region, a place of history, art, and collective memory, fully integrated into the network of state museums and territorial cultural promotion systems.

PLACE

Senigallia (AN)

CLIENT

Ministero dei beni e delle attività culturali e del turismo

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Diagnostic Investigations
Executive design
Final design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Seismic Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Conservative Rehabilitation
Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Cultural

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Restauratrice Dott.ssa Elisa Saracino
Studio Paci Srl

Riqualificazione Ex Foro Boario e Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII a Osimo | Restauro e Rigenerazione Urbana

Ex Foro Boario

Ex Foro Boario

Restoration, Accessibility, and Urban Innovation

Redevelopment of the Former Foro Boario and Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII in Osimo

The redevelopment project of the Former Foro Boario and Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII in Osimo represents a strategic urban regeneration initiative aimed at restoring vitality to an area of significant historical, architectural, and social value. Located at the entrance to Osimo’s historic center, the porticoed complex of the Foro Boario—dating back to the 19th century—is an emblematic example of Marche’s historical architecture, now undergoing restoration and enhancement through a contemporary design approach.

An integrated project within the PINQuA Program of the NRRP

This initiative is part of the PINQuA Program under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), dedicated to improving housing quality and promoting urban sustainability.
The main goal is to regenerate the Former Foro Boario, transforming it into a cultural and social hub for the local community through multifunctional spaces designed for events, exhibitions, conferences, and public activities.

The project includes:

  • Conservative restoration of the historic structures;

  • Seismic upgrading and structural strengthening;

  • Energy efficiency measures and environmental sustainability technologies;

  • Universal accessibility through the removal of architectural barriers.

Architectural restoration and enhancement of historic spaces

The restoration of the Foro Boario’s portico was conceived to preserve its historical character while introducing new functions. The historic arches will be enclosed with lightweight glass panels, creating flexible, sheltered spaces suitable for public events and conferences.
A new panoramic elevator will connect the Foro level to Osimo’s historic center, improving accessibility and usability for all citizens, particularly those with reduced mobility.

Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII and the park: breathing new life into public spaces

The project extends to the adjacent square and park, featuring:

  • Pedestrian areas and green pathways;

  • Resting zones and recreational spaces;

  • Smart lighting systems and sustainable urban furniture.

These interventions aim to improve urban quality, enhance safety, foster social inclusion, and make Osimo a tangible example of a Smart City within the Marche region.

A model of urban regeneration between history and innovation

This project serves as a model of integrated urban regeneration, where the enhancement of historic heritage harmoniously interacts with the needs of contemporary urban life.
Through restoration, accessibility, and sustainability, Osimo renews its urban fabric—promoting social cohesion, quality of life, and territorial identity, which reflect the core principles of European and national policies for the ecological and digital transition of cities.

PLACE

Osimo (AN)

CLIENT

Comune di Osimo

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Final design
General Coordination of Specialized Disciplines
Safety coordination for executive phase
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Institutional
Multifunctional

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Arch. Maurizio Sabatino Pirocchi
Geol. Alberto Antinori
Novigos Tecno s.r.l.
Studio Paci Srl

Villa di Massenzio sull’Appia Antica | Restauro e Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Archeologico

Villa di Massenzio

Villa di Massenzio

Conservative restoration, enhancement, and visitor access routes

The Villa of Maxentius on the Appian Way: Restoration and Enhancement of Rome’s Archaeological Heritage

The Villa of Maxentius is one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of ancient Rome, located between the second and third mile of the Appian Way, the historic consular road that once connected Rome to Capua.

Built between 306 and 309 AD, the imperial residence includes three main structures: the Imperial Palace, the Mausoleum of Romulus, and the Circus of Maxentius, monumental works designed to celebrate the emperor’s figure and assert his power through architecture.

A unique late-imperial complex

The Villa of Maxentius stands out for its exceptional architectural and symbolic unity, rare among imperial complexes of the late Roman Empire. The site perfectly illustrates how politics, architecture, and religion were intertwined in late antiquity.
Over the centuries, the villa experienced transformations, abandonment, and decay, making a careful and respectful restoration intervention essential.

The conservative restoration of the Villa of Maxentius

The archaeological and conservative restoration project aimed to preserve and enhance one of Rome’s most significant cultural landmarks. The intervention included:

  • Consolidation of ancient masonry using compatible techniques and low-impact materials;

  • Restoration of the “imperial corridor,” the passage connecting the palace to the pulvinar, the podium from which the emperor watched the races in the circus;

  • Redevelopment of visitor pathways, introducing accessible and sustainable solutions.

Technology and design approach

The intervention was based on a multidisciplinary approach combining traditional restoration techniques with advanced digital and diagnostic technologies for structural and environmental monitoring.
All operations were carried out with the utmost respect for the archaeological context, ensuring safety, preservation, and accessibility for visitors.

A dialogue between past and future

Today, the Villa of Maxentius is a vibrant and accessible site where history, architecture, and landscape coexist.
The restoration has returned to the public a place of extraordinary beauty, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient splendor of Rome along the Appian Way, surrounded by monuments, ruins, and evocative views.

This project represents a bridge between past and future, an example of sustainable enhancement of archaeological heritage that combines scientific rigor, innovation, and respect for historical memory.

PLACE

Roma

CLIENT

Roma Capitale - Sovrintendenza Capitolina

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Final design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Cultural

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Englobe
Geol. Alberto Antinori
Relevo s.r.l.

ENGLOBE Progettazione Integrata Restauro Sisma Convento San Francesco Matelica

Complesso conventuale di San Francesco

Complesso conventuale di San Francesco

Design and execution of conservative restoration, structural consolidation, and energy efficiency improvement

Franciscan Heritage Since the 13th Century

 

The San Francesco Monastic Complex in Matelica represents one of the most significant examples of religious architecture in the Marche region. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when the Friars Minor settled in the northeastern sector of the walled city, contributing to the cultural and administrative development of the area.

 

Throughout the centuries, the complex was occupied by different Franciscan branches — including the Conventuals, Observants, and Reformati — undergoing alternating phases of expansion and decline. These events continued until the Napoleonic suppression and the site’s definitive closure in 1861.

The Church of San Francesco and Its Artistic Value

 

Adjacent to the monastery stands the Church of San Francesco, a custodian of valuable artistic heritage: frescoes, decorative elements, and architectural stratifications that document centuries of transformation and adaptation.

 

However, recent seismic events in the region significantly compromised the structural stability of the complex, making an urgent and well-designed restoration intervention essential to safeguard both its architectural integrity and cultural value.

ENGLOBE’s Intervention: Restoration and Seismic Strengthening

ENGLOBE carried out a comprehensive intervention involving both the church and the monastery, with the dual objective of preserving historical elements and ensuring structural safety.

The project included:

  • the restoration of load-bearing structures and original construction systems,

  • the conservation of decorated surfaces and frescoes,

  • the redevelopment of the roofing systems, removing non-original additions,

  • the use of technologies compatible with the historical and architectural context.

Design Approach and Cultural Value

The intervention was developed through an integrated approach, combining specialized structural engineering and heritage conservation expertise. This strategy allowed the complex to regain full usability, while preserving its historical and artistic value and ensuring long-term safety.

Thanks to this restoration, the San Francesco complex continues to serve as a significant cultural and identity landmark for the city of Matelica and for the broader Marche region.

PLACE

Matelica (MC)

CLIENT

Provincia Picena di S. Giacomo della Marca dei Frati Minori

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Final design
Preliminary design
Safety coordination for executive phase
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Multifunctional
Religious

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Studio Paci Srl

Museo Diocesano San Severino

Museo Diocesano San Severino

Design of the exhibition itinerary and museum lighting

Diocesan Museum of San Severino

The intervention on the Diocesan Museum of San Severino is part of a broader process aimed at the enhancement of historic and artistic heritage, through the adaptive reuse of existing spaces dedicated to the conservation and public display of artworks. The project was developed with full respect for the architectural and urban context, strengthening the museum’s cultural role within the city.

Historical context and museum function

The Diocesan Museum is housed within a historic building that forms an integral part of the city’s architectural system. The project carefully considered the historical stratification of the structure and its representative function, ensuring compatibility between new museographic requirements and the preservation of the existing fabric.

Intervention criteria for the historic building

Design decisions were based on an approach combining restoration and functional upgrading, aimed at preserving the original architectural features while ensuring suitable conditions for artwork conservation and visitor access. The interventions were designed to be reversible and compatible, in compliance with heritage regulations and conservation constraints.

Exhibition layout and visitor experience

Special attention was given to the organization of exhibition spaces, improving the clarity of museum routes and the overall quality of the visitor experience. The adopted solutions balance conservation needs, functional requirements, and interpretative aspects, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the architectural container and the displayed collections.

The museum as a cultural landmark

The Diocesan Museum of San Severino project represents a strategic intervention for strengthening local cultural identity, enhancing ecclesiastical and artistic heritage and making it accessible to the wider community. The project reinforces the museum’s role as a place for knowledge, conservation, and dissemination of the territory’s historic and artistic heritage.

PLACE

San Severino Marche (MC)

CLIENT

Arcidiocesi di Camerino
San Severino Marche

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Architectural Design
Design phase Safety coordination
Safety coordination for executive phase
Works Supervision

TYPOLOGY

Preparation

INTENDED USE

Cultural

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Ing. Stefano Pacifico Tallei
Studio Paci Srl

Monastero della Santa Croce di Fonte Avellana

Monastero della Santa Croce di Fonte Avellana

Restoration and consolidation after the earthquake

Restoration of the Consoli at the Monastery of Fonte Avellana

The restoration of the Consoli is part of the monumental complex of the Monastery of Fonte Avellana, one of the most significant historic and architectural landmarks in the Marche Apennines. The project focuses on the conservation and enhancement of historic built heritage, respecting the original materials, construction techniques, and architectural features of the building.

The intervention falls within the framework of works on listed cultural heritage, adopting an approach aimed at preserving historical identity and ensuring compatibility of the proposed solutions.

Historical and architectural context

The restoration concerns spaces of high documentary and historical value, integral to the architectural system of the monastery. The project was preceded by a detailed assessment of the state of conservation, aimed at identifying existing critical issues and defining intervention strategies consistent with the historic nature of the building.

Conservation and restoration criteria

Design choices are based on the principles of conservative restoration, favoring targeted, reversible, and material-compatible interventions. Particular attention was paid to the stratigraphic reading of surfaces, the preservation of original architectural elements, and the mitigation of deterioration processes, in compliance with regulations and heritage authority requirements.

Architectural works and technical approach

The intervention included structural consolidation and recovery, restoration of historic surfaces, and safety improvements, using techniques and materials compatible with the monumental context. All operations were carefully calibrated to minimize impact on the building while safeguarding its authenticity and cultural value.

Restoration as a tool for heritage enhancement

The restoration project of the Consoli represents a long-term strategy for the preservation and transmission of the asset over time, aiming to protect its historical and architectural significance and ensure informed and sustainable use. The intervention contributes to the overall enhancement of the Fonte Avellana complex, reinforcing its cultural and territorial identity.

PLACE

Serra Sant’Abbondio (PU)

CLIENT

Congregazione Monaci Camaldolesi

WORK PERIOD
ACTIVITY

Design phase Safety coordination
Executive design
Final design
Preliminary design
Restoration and Consolidation
Safety coordination for executive phase
Structural Works Management

TYPOLOGY

Restoration of Listed Cultural Heritage

INTENDED USE

Religious

WORK AMOUNT
WORKING GROUP

Studio Paci Srl