15thc perception on swallowtail merlons?

[davidjackson]

David, did you confirm for all of those buildings that they had swallowtail merlons pre-1450? For example the bridge from your first link has been completely rebuilt, and parts of the castle as well.

Verona undertook a very careful reconstruction programme after WWII to replace medieval buildings destroyed during the war. The intention was to restore them to their original style, or as close as possible.
For example, the bridge is mid 14th century. It was badly damaged by the French in 1804 and blown up during WWII. It was restored to its original medieval structure by architect Libero Cecchini, who went so far as to make the new blocks from the original 14th century quarry the original stone came from. According to the tourist board, the merlons were rebuilt in brick "following the original colour, materials and style". Although I have been hunting around, I don't know if the original merlons (destroyed by the French) were swallowtail in style or not. However, given that they are such a prominent part of the structure, and it is right next to Castelvecchio, I assume they were all the same.

Castelvecchio castle was likewise blown up in WWII, and rebuilt in 1949. It underwent another restoration which finished by 1965. In You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.showing the 1945 aftermath you can see remains of the original swallowtail merlons.

Cefalú cathedral is a 12th century building that has undergone changes over time. Given that it is in Sicily, away from the Ghibiline influence, the swallowtails are likely a later addition and may have nothing to do with politics. I can't find anything about that, although they seem to be pre-Renaissance. The cathedral is an UNESCO monument due to its originality.

Verona city gate, again destroyed during the war. Haven't hunted up references, but I assume that it was subject to the same restoration programme as the other monuments.

The old castle for sale, no idea. Likewise for the Kremlin wall!