The Murata
The so-called Murata, the massive wall situated at the western extremity
of Castelgrande and built atop the contours of a natural rocky ridge,
was part of the fortifications which stretched down into the town
and across the Ticino to join up with the mountainside on the right
bank, effectively blocking the valley. Theories to the effect that
this impressive construction dates back to the Roman era have not
been supported by archaeological findings and building remains: the
project was probably developed by the Viscontis only after the Battle
of Arbedo (1422). According to a document dating from 1457, the original
construction had 296 crenellations; since the entire length could
not have exceeded 600 m, given the topographical characteristics
of the site, it seems probable that the crenellations were only built
on the enemy side. The tower gate (see below) is a later addition,
replacing the original. In the mid-15th century, the Murata was in
a precarious state, especially near the river; during the Giornico
campaign (1478), the confederates succeeded in breaking through it
and attacked the city from the south, albeit unsuccessfully.
During the major redevelopment of Bellinzona's fortifications by
the Sforzas after 1478, the old crumbling wall was demolished and
replaced by a new one; documents of the period situate its construction
in the years 148789. What remains of the wall gives no clue as to
whether some parts of the original wall were incorporated into the
new one; as it stands today, the Murata would seem to have been designed
and built as a whole, even if there are clear signs here and there
of work carried out somewhat hurriedly, with an eye to saving time.
Contrary to the original wall, the new 1487-89 version was built to
ensure defence on both sides.
Over the years, unfortunately, large sections of the wall have vanished,
leaving the barrage seriously mutilated and many questions regarding
the global strategy behind the construction of the fortifications
unanswered. Severe flooding in 1515 destroyed an approx. 150 m stretch
of the wall, making it impossible to envisage today what the fortifications
near the Ticino may have looked like. In about 1820, the Torretta
was demolished a strong tower which blocked the narrow passage between
the river and rocky mountainside on the right bank. An even greater
loss is that of the Portone, a gate tower which was razed to the
ground in 1869. Prior to demolition, a road passed through it at
the foot of Castelgrande rock, making it possible to bypass the narrow
streets of the old town centre on the western side; a modern footbridge
now spans the gap left by the demolition of the gate, joining the
battlements of the truncated sections of wall.
The Murata, which leads straight down from Castelgrande to the Ticino,
except for slight deviations due to the uneven terrain, comprises
a double wall enclosing an arched communicating tunnel of about 2
m wide and 45 m high. The eastern section of the wall was built on
solid rock, whereas the foundations of the western sections were
sunk into the alluvial deposits of the Ticino. The lower part of
the wall was buttressed on the approach side by an extra thickness
of wall with a protruding stone border along its top edge, characteristic
of the late l5th century. The moat, which was essential in the western
section to halt the approach of the enemy, has long since been filled
in.
Besides the demolished Portone, two other towers (surviving) round
bastions, projecting from both sides of the wall allowed for extra
protection of the wall with backup fire. The distance between the
towers was about 150 m and equivalent to the firing range of small
cannon. The round tower to the east contains a room with a vaulted
ceiling which connects with the hidden communicating tunnel: the
western tower has 2 rooms. Each tower has machicolated battlements.
The gun ports in the communicating tunnel, in the rooms and in the
battlements, were used partly for crossbows and muskets, but mainly
for light artillery. Other narrow embrasures were for ventilation
and to let in light.
Access to the battlements and communicating tunnel is through a square
building whose intelligent design also afforded cover with backup
fire for both sides of the wall.
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