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Fig. 4.
Reconstructed ceiling
of the lower level of the
criptoporticus.
Fig. 5.
East wing of the
criptoporticus after the
excavation.
Fig. 6.
Musealization of
the east wing of the
criptoporticus.
(nocturnal visits, concerts, plays, dance, etc.). The topographical
features of some sectors or buildings, which are at a much lower
level than the adjacent land, meant that the proposal needed to incorporate
several solutions to ensure drainage and the evacuation of
rainwater, thus preventing the degradation of the structures and the
levels of circulation.
The execution of the project was organised in three successive
phases. Phase I dealt with the execution of the various installations
(drains, electrical installations, etc.) as well as preparing the various
levels of circulation (bases, gravel, stairs and ramps, etc.). Once this
work had been completed, the route was perfectly defined and the
areas were clearly differentiated. Phase II covered the areas of consolidating
and restoring the walls and structures preserved. Finally,
phase III contemplated the partial reconstruction of some buildings
and the installation of explanatory, museographical elements.
The main actions envisaged in each of the areas around which this
architectural ensemble is organised are:
1. Cryptoporticus area. This includes the porticoed building with
three sections, in a U-shaped layout, built on a lower cryptoporticus
which, from a scenography point of view, enclosed the religious
area of the forum. In this area, a general intervention was carried out
which contemplated the monument as the final result of different
historic phases. To do this, the aim was to restore the circulation
level of the three wings of the cryptoporticus and to allow the visiting
public access to its interior, by means of stairs or ramps placed on the
ends of the two side sections. In addition to consolidating and restoring
the walls and other conserved structures, a partial reconstruction
of the central colonnade and of the beams in the north-west corner
of the building was proposed (fig. 4). The silos excavated into the
natural rock, which are today visible under the level of the eastern
wing of the cryptoporticus, are also integrated into the itinerary, as
they make up an essential feature in explaining the historic evolution
of the area the forum occupied (figs. 5, 6).
2. Religious area. In the northern part of the forum, the religious area
is made up of the remains of the podium of the main temple and of a
series of small shrines which form a facade of constructions which,
together with the previously mentioned three-winged porticus, defined
the sacred temenos. In the north and the east boundaries, there are
some water tanks, traditionally known as nymphaeum. In this area,
the main action was to restore the podium of the main temple, which
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