Salvatio Memoriae. Studies for the Virtual Reconstruction of the Medieval Sculptural Heritage

This paper investigates how digital technologies can support the preservation, interpretation, and public communication of fragmented medieval sculptural heritage through the creation of digital twins and augmented reality experiences. Developed within the MemId research project, the study focuses on the historical reuse of medieval sculpture during the Modern Age and examines how changing contexts altered the meaning, function, and perception of sculptural artifacts over time. The selected case study is the dismantled funerary monument of Cardinal Luca Fieschi in Genoa, today surviving as scattered fragments. Through close-range digital photogrammetry, Structure from Motion modelling, and metric analysis, the author creates a catalog of accurate 3D replicas used for historical reconstruction hypotheses and comparative research. These digital twins are then integrated into AR narratives and interactive puzzle-based experiences designed for museum visitors, enabling users to understand lost configurations and historical transformations. The research demonstrates how virtual reconstruction can combine scientific rigor, heritage documentation, and engaging public storytelling, helping medieval artifacts avoid a new form of oblivion.