Restoration of the Conca dell’Incoronata and the Vinciane Gates
Year: 2014
Location: Milan
The Conca dell’Incoronata, at the heart of Milan’s Navigli system, is a unique testimony to Renaissance hydraulic engineering. Designed in the 15th century to connect the Naviglio della Martesana to Milan’s internal moat, the Conca is renowned for the Vinciane Gates, conceived by Leonardo da Vinci, which became a model for locks worldwide.
The restoration, completed in 2023, has returned one of Milan’s historic symbols to the city by recovering both the wooden structures of the Vinciane Gates and the stone materials of the Conca, preserving its historical, cultural, and architectural value.
VINCIANE GATES
The wooden gates showed numerous signs of degradation:
• Deep cracks and structural damage caused by humidity.
• Attacks by wood-boring insects and fungal infections.
• Deformation and oxidation of the original metal fittings.
STONE MATERIALS
The Lombard stones and other materials used in the Conca’s masonry were affected by:
• Black crusts and surface dirt.
• Saline efflorescence and fractures.
• Moss and lichen growth in areas exposed to water and humidity.
VINCIANE GATES
The gates were restored in specialized laboratories to ensure precision and safety:
• Removal of the gates and transportation to specialized workshops.
• Careful cleaning and disinfestation to eliminate wood-boring insects.
• Consolidation of the wood with specific resins and replacement of decayed parts with oak wood of the same type.
• Restoration of metal fittings and application of protective treatments.
• Reinstallation of the restored gates on-site.
STONE MATERIALS
The masonry restoration followed a conservative approach:
• Surface cleaning using low-pressure systems and micro-sandblasting.
• Cortical consolidation of the stones with ethyl silicate.
• Reconstruction of missing parts with compatible materials and repointing of joints using hydraulic lime-based mortars.
The restoration of the Conca dell’Incoronata represents a significant effort in safeguarding Milan’s historical heritage. The adopted techniques, respectful of originality and sustainability, have restored functionality and beauty to a work that combines engineering, history, and architecture.
Today, the Conca stands as a testament to Milan’s hydraulic past, a symbol of Leonardo da Vinci’s innovation, and a cultural landmark for the city.
