Capitolo 3: Meta–ultramafiti proterozoiche e Metamafiti paleozoiche -Rocce Verdi- nell’Architettura Sacra Normanno–Gotica (XII–XIV secolo) della Cattedrale di Messina.

The third site concerns the Cathedral of Messina. After an introduction on the origin and classification of the “Green Rocks” (mafites and ultra–mafites) and their use in the architectural complex of the surrounding territory, their use (as meta–peridotites, meta–hornblendites and amphibolites) in the Gothic architecture of the site is dealt with, as well as their state of conservation, composition (petro–archaeological analysis) and origin. Particular attention is given to the reconstruction of the dangerous events the site has undergone over the centuries, of both natural (earthquakes, atmospheric agents etc.) and anthropic (bombardments, fires, looting etc.) origin. The restoration work carried out over time is also described. One particularly significant result of the research regards the interdisciplinary reconstruction of the geological–geomorphological and historical–architectural evolution of the site, in the territorial context of the Calabrian–Sicilian area between Aspromonte and Peloritani (Straits of Messina area).