E. Destefanis, V. Sala, Le molteplici vie del reimpiego nei complessi ecclesiastici medievali e post-medievali: alcuni casi-studio a Vercelli e nel suo territorio

In the Middle Ages as well as in the Modern era, ecclesiastical complexes represent contexts in which the phenomenon of reuse not only reaches a significant quantitative extent but also unfolds in a wide variety of forms. Artifacts differing in material and original function – whether intact or fragmentary – can be repurposed either as construction elements or with the aim of displaying antiquity as a form of legitimization. This occurs within a highly complex framework, where the distinctions between different purposes of reuse should not be understood in overly rigid terms. At the same time, however, ancient pieces may be reinserted into a new sacred context, taking on specific liturgical meanings. This paper will therefore offer some reflections on particularly significant contexts within the historical Vercelli area. Focus will be placed on two main ecclesiastical sites that, between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, successively held the episcopal seat: Santa Maria Maggiore – the first episcopal complex, which was later demolished in the 18th century – and Sant’Eusebio, which likely assumed the role of cathedral from the 10th century onwards. Additional case studies in the Vercelli territory will also be presented, including the collegiate church of Sant’Agata in Santhià, and – though located in the Diocese of Novara – the monastery of San Silano in Romagnano Sesia, which lies very close to the Vercelli border.