Lonato’s 1710 Cadastral Map Restored and Exhibited at the Municipal Building

The 1710 cadastral map of Lonato has been restored to its former splendor. After the refurbishment, the valuable document will be displayed starting tomorrow in the municipal building, with a brief ceremony to mark the occasion. At 6:30 PM, following greetings from Mayor Morando Perini and local authorities, Dr. Lilia Gianotti will present the work and restoration techniques employed. This will be followed by a speech from Professor Roberto Berveglieri, who will engage in a discussion about the town of Lonato in the 1700s.

The ceremony will conclude with a lively musical performance, thanks to the Neoclassico quintet, which will perform Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Beethoven’s exhilarating Rondo, and the melodies of ancient Hungarian dances. A fitting celebration to mark the full recovery of this historic map-drawing, created by the topographer Paolo Rossi.

Content and importance of the map

This map makes the beautiful Celesti hall unique, which still hosts the decisive moments of Lonato’s administrative life today. The restoration operation was urgent: the paper showed widespread oxidation that gave it a yellow-brown hue.

There were also multiple traces of moisture infiltration and localized attacks by microorganisms. Reading the piece was hindered by dirt and the erasure of ink. The folds and ripples, along with widespread tears, made conservation difficult.

The wooden frame also presented issues, being unable to keep the map taut. Thanks to the restoration process, which lasted about two months, this important historical testimony has been preserved.