Wood as a narrator of architectural history

By Editorial Staff - 20 April 2026
Listone Giordano has participated in the project

Set on a hilltop overlooking Cortona, Girifalco Fortress dates to the 5^th century BCE – part of Italy’s Etruscan period, which left visible remnants throughout Tuscany. This long history extends to the present day, with the structure evolving with the addition of bastions in the 16^th century, periods of abandonment, repurposing, partial restoration, and its recent rebirth as a cultural hub. To create new galleries and exhibition spaces for photography, several rooms underwent renovation – led by Bianca Marino – that revitalized the historic site while strictly honoring its heritage.

To enhance the fortress’s identity through a contemporary lens and achieve a balance of materials, light, and layout, the project prioritizes flexibility and transparency, with photography playing a vital role in revealing its spatial complexity. The site’s complexity and historical layering were also addressed through collaboration with Listone Giordano, which supplied the bespoke flooring. Designed for the company by architect Michele De Lucchi, Magnetico from the Medoc range was selected for rapid installation and simple reconfiguration of the exhibition layout. An additional advantage in this project is the parquet’s compatibility with all types of metal-faced raised flooring. Magnetically attached without the use of adhesives, the planks feature a French oak surface with a birch plywood core.

A distinguishing feature of Medoc is its tapered cut, which follows the natural form of the tree trunk to evoke warmth and vitality. This geometry creates a material interplay with the fortress’s stone walls, further enhanced by a curated contrast of light and shadow that reinforces the narrative between past and present.