The Gualchiere di Remole in Bagno a Ripoli (Firenze)

Abstract

The Gualchiere di Remole represent a rare example of a late medieval industrial mill still standing in Italy. Built in 1327 by the Albizzi family, these structures were dedicated to the fulling of wool, a crucial process in Florentine textile manufacturing. Despite their historical and architectural significance, the Gualchiere are currently in an advanced state of decay. Declared a site of historical and artistic interest in 2013, the complex has undergone various interventions and transformations over the centuries but has never been subject to a structured restoration. Previous studies have focused on analyzing the mechanics of the mills and documenting the architectural conditions of the buildings. The research project began in 2009 with 3D laser scanner surveys to document the structure and understand the operation of the hydraulic fulling stocks. This initial phase utilized TLS instruments capable of
producing a sufficiently complete and detailed point cloud, allowing for the mapping of both the interior and exterior and for assessing the state of conservation and functionality of the site. In 2024, a new photogrammetric survey using drones and high-resolution cameras updated the data on the condition of the mill and its hydrographic context. The combination of data collected in 2009 and 2024 enabled a direct comparison to evaluate the progression of degradation. This research provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and conservation of the Gualchiere di Remole, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating 3D digital surveying techniques with modern digital photogrammetry (SfM) technologies. The comparison between laser scanning and photogrammetric surveys has produced a detailed picture of the mill’s condition and its critical issues. The results may support future restoration and enhancement efforts, promoting the potential museumization and reuse of the complex for cultural and public purposes. The applied methodology has proven to be valuable for this type of industrial heritage, offering a replicable model for the preservation of medieval industrial sites.