When form is substance. Castles of Puglia and the art of building

On the basis of first-hand architectural surveys based on an integrated approach (topographical, aero- photogrammetric,digitalterrestrialphotogrammetric,3Dlaseracquisitions),bothat small and large scales, this contribution intends to draw attention to the reality of fortified buildings that, due to the richness of their palimpsests and the singularity of their transformations, can serve as research laboratories and reference points for all others.In addition to increasing historical research,the aim is also to provide new arguments for the reasons of conservation. When they have not disappeared or been violated by incon- gruous interventions, the heritage of Apulia's fortified factories is in fact in a precarious condition, if not in a state of ruin, thus requiring new ways of protection and reconnection with the reference landscapes.