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Heritage
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History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
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History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 21674

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariangela Vandini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
Interests: conservation science; archaeometry; applied sciences; cultural heritage
Dr. Sara Fiorentino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna Campus, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
Interests: conservation science; archaeometry; applied sciences; cultural heritage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Pietro Maria Militello

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy
Interests: archeology; cultural heritage; prehistory; Mediterranean; Sicilia; Crete; sumptuary arts; excavation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In a historical moment shaped by profound transformations on an environmental and socio-cultural scale, the long-term preservation, accessibility and relevance of our shared cultural heritage needs to be re-considered by integrating scientific research with the principles of sustainable development.

The international scenario emphasizes how technological and scientific research and sustainable development can provide essential frameworks and strategies for conservation; promote economic, social and environmental benefits; and ensure the integration of cultural heritage into sustainable urban and tourism development. Scientific research endows us with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand, analyze, preserve and document cultural heritage effectively. The integration between research and sustainable development can, thus, led to the establishment of innovative framework and principles to ensure that the management and use of cultural heritage are environmentally sound, economically viable, socially equitable and contribute to the well-being of present and future generations.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue “History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage”, featuring new achievements within Recovery and Resiliency Plan Italian project CHANGES—CULTURAL HERITAGE ACTIVE INNOVATION FOR NEXT-GEN SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY (funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU—under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)—Mission 4 Education and research—Component 2 From research to business—Investment 1.3, Notice D.D. 341 of 15/03/2022, entitled: Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society proposal code PE0000020—duration until 28.02.2026).

The project aims to establish an international reference center for training, research and technology transfer in the field of culture and cultural heritage. The goal is to enhance the role of cultural heritage, promoting new sustainable approaches for protection and enjoyment, creating stable partnerships between research and business and offering employment opportunities in the field.

Based on a hub (in this case, the Fondazione Changes) and spokes system (nine in this case), the main objective of CHANGES was to achieve a synergy between the humanities and sciences (in the strict sense), with the aim of increasing the attractiveness of the Italian cultural heritage system through the creation of expertise in all aspects of cultural heritage (knowledge, diagnostics, restoration, monitoring, economics, dissemination, etc.) and to establish public–private synergies with the construction of a supply chain between research centres and private entities, stimulating the relationship with private companies, through cascade call initiatives. Spoke number 6 (‘History, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage’) was led by the University of Catania, co-led by the Central Institute for Restoration, and involved seven other institutions as partners: the Universities of Bologna, Milan, Naples, Turin, Suor Orsola Benincasa, the Officina delle Pietre Dure, and the Fondazione 1563.

In particular, this Special Issue is aimed at fostering the results and achievements of a group of researchers belonging to Spoke 6—History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, whose aims are the development of integrated methodologies for the historical understanding, the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage and promoting a multidisciplinary approach involving humanistic, archeological, scientific and technological research.

In line with the journal’s scopes, this Special Issue aims to stimulate reflections on the role of cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable economic development through knowledge transfer and capacity building, rooted into research processes strongly oriented towards transdisciplinarity. Emphasis will be given to the discussion of integrated innovative approaches and best practices in the management, preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, ensuring its continued relevance and transmission across generations.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Understanding and Conservation: Scientific research, often termed “heritage science”, provides crucial insights into the materials, techniques and environmental factors that affect cultural heritage (tangible and intangible).
  • Innovation in Conservation Materials and Techniques: Scientific research drives the development of new and improved materials and techniques for conservation, ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage.
  • Monitoring and Risk Assessment: Scientific research helps monitor the condition of cultural heritage sites and objects, identify potential risks (e.g., pollution, climate change, biological threats) and develop preventative measures.
  • Digital Documentation and Interpretation: Scientific methods, including 3D scanning and virtual reality, enable the accurate digital documentation of cultural heritage, facilitating wider access and research and engaging public interpretation.
  • Understanding Degradation Mechanisms: Scientific investigation helps identify the causes and mechanisms of deterioration in various materials, allowing for targeted conservation efforts.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mariangela Vandini
Dr. Sara Fiorentino
Prof. Dr. Pietro Maria Militello
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Publisher’s Notice

As stated above, the central purpose of this Special Issue (SI) is to present research from “CHANGES—CULTURAL HERITAGE ACTIVE INNOVATION FOR NEXT-GEN SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY”. With this goal in mind, the Guest Editors’ contribution to this Special Issue may be greater than standard Special Issues published by MDPI. Further details on MDPI's Special Issue guidelines can be found via the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/special_issues_guidelines. Heritage’s Editorial Office and Editor-in-Chief have approved this, and MDPI’s standard manuscript editorial processing procedure (https://www.mdpi.com/editorial_process) will be applied to all submissions. As per this procedure, Guest Editors are excluded from participating in the editorial process for their submission and/or for submissions from persons with whom a potential conflict of interest may exist. More details on MDPI’s conflict of interest policy for reviewers and editors can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/ethics#_bookmark22.

Keywords

  • cultural heritage
  • heritage management
  • sustainable development
  • conservation
  • conservation science

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (18 papers)

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43 pages, 1823 KB  
Article
Building the Knowledge Base for Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment: The Case of the Arian Baptistry, Ravenna (Italy)
by Sara Fiorentino, Anna Casarotto, Ilenia Falbo and Mariangela Vandini
Heritage 2026, 9(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9030111 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for cultural heritage is increasingly recognized as a global priority, yet methodological harmonization and conceptual inconsistencies continue to hinder its effective implementation. This study develops and tests an integrated framework for Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) applied to the Arian [...] Read more.
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for cultural heritage is increasingly recognized as a global priority, yet methodological harmonization and conceptual inconsistencies continue to hinder its effective implementation. This study develops and tests an integrated framework for Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) applied to the Arian Baptistery of Ravenna—part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna since 1996. By combining elements from the ICCROM ABC Method, the IPCC/UNDRR conceptual models, and the QuiskScan model associated with the Nara Grid for value assessment, the research identifies the essential data, definitions, and conditions required to prepare a coherent risk knowledge base. The workflow includes five main steps: context analysis, stakeholder mapping, value assessment, terminological alignment, and risk components systematization. Results demonstrate that effective DRA depends not only on technical assessment of hazards but also on the integration of social, institutional, and governance factors that shape vulnerability. The study also proposes a hybrid hazard framework combining ICCROM’s Ten Agents of Deterioration with the UNDRR 2025 List of Hazards, expanding the concept of “dissociation” to include governance failures and socio-political risks. The Arian Baptistery thus serves as both a case study and a methodological laboratory, offering a replicable model for organizing knowledge, harmonizing terminology, and bridging disciplinary divides in cultural heritage risk management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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38 pages, 129740 KB  
Article
Digitization, Interpretation, and Valorization of Ruined Architecture: Case Studies of IT Strategies in the Archeological Field
by Simone Pio Barbagallo, Giulia Arcidiacono, Marco Chiricallo, Dario Puglisi and Filippo Stanco
Heritage 2026, 9(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9020065 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 688
Abstract
This paper examines the role of digital technologies in advancing archeological research, using two complex, stratified case studies—the Villa Reale of Haghia Triada in Crete and the rock-cut churches of Pantalica in Sicily—as reference points. Both sites, despite their geographical and chronological differences, [...] Read more.
This paper examines the role of digital technologies in advancing archeological research, using two complex, stratified case studies—the Villa Reale of Haghia Triada in Crete and the rock-cut churches of Pantalica in Sicily—as reference points. Both sites, despite their geographical and chronological differences, present comparable challenges: fragmented evidence, incomplete documentation, and the need for multi-scalar interpretation. By integrating photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and other 3D acquisition techniques with 3D modeling approaches, this paper explores how digital workflows can both preserve and reinterpret fragile archeological contexts. The aim of this research is to critically assess the methodological potential and epistemological implications of these tools, emphasizing transparency, reproducibility, and their communicative value for scholarly communities and wider audiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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17 pages, 9161 KB  
Article
Conserving the Memory of Hammurabi: A Sustainable Model for Ancient Heritage Management at the Old Babylonian Site of Tell Muhammad, Iraq
by Nicola Laneri, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni, Chiara Pappalardo, Alice Mendola, Rachele Mammana, Maura Fugazzotto, Aurora Borgesi, Vittorio Azzaro and Marilisa Spironello
Heritage 2026, 9(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9020047 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 706
Abstract
An archaeological project requires a complex heritage management approach that includes excavation, scientific research, conservation of unearthed objects, protection of the site’s architecture, and, finally, public engagement. Based on these premises, the Baghdad Urban Archaeological Project aims to create a model for Ancient [...] Read more.
An archaeological project requires a complex heritage management approach that includes excavation, scientific research, conservation of unearthed objects, protection of the site’s architecture, and, finally, public engagement. Based on these premises, the Baghdad Urban Archaeological Project aims to create a model for Ancient Heritage Management that includes the research, conservation, and public outreach at the Old Babylonian site of Tell Muhammad, located in the southern suburbs of Baghdad (Iraq). In so doing, thanks to the recovery at the site during the mid-19th century of objects with inscriptions related to Hammurabi (1810–1750 BCE), the sixth king of the First Dynasty of Babylon, the project attempts to conserve and promote this fundamental period in the history of ancient Mesopotamia by applying a sustainable model of management of archaeological heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 6103 KB  
Article
Degradation of Traditional Silicate Glass and Protective Coatings Under Simulated Unsheltered Conditions
by Sofia Schiattone, Elisabetta Tomiato, Elena Bernardi, Martina Zangari, Tommaso Salzillo, Mariangela Vandini and Cristina Chiavari
Heritage 2026, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9010002 - 20 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1260
Abstract
Outdoor glass is subject to degradation due to environmental factors, which alter its physical and chemical properties depending on the exposure conditions. Studying glass weathering and the effectiveness and durability of conservation treatments is necessary for developing optimal conservation strategies for glass heritage [...] Read more.
Outdoor glass is subject to degradation due to environmental factors, which alter its physical and chemical properties depending on the exposure conditions. Studying glass weathering and the effectiveness and durability of conservation treatments is necessary for developing optimal conservation strategies for glass heritage objects. Here, an accelerated aging protocol based on actual environmental data is successfully employed to replicate weathering caused by rain runoff, temperature, humidity and UVA radiation in unsheltered conditions. Two types of silicate glass with traditional compositions were artificially aged to investigate the corrosion processes and produce representative weathered substrates for applying and aging protective treatments. The performance of two recently marketed Siox-5 sol–gel systems was compared with that of Paraloid B72. Glass specimens, as well as leaching rain solutions, were analyzed with different techniques, including SEM/EDS, FTIR-ATR, color measurements and MP-AES. The composition of the glass influences weathering patterns, which in turn affect coating adhesion and overall performance. Sol–gel coatings demonstrate good chemical stability and tend to adhere more effectively to degraded surfaces than to well-preserved ones. The coatings exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to environmental factors, with one of the sol–gel systems generally performing better than the others under the considered exposure conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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29 pages, 12203 KB  
Article
Legacy Data Management from Software to Warehouses: The Experience from the Archaeological Site of Phaistos (Greece)
by Pietro Maria Militello, Francesca Buscemi, Serena D’Amico, Giacomo Fadelli, Thea Messina, Erica Platania and Flavia Toscano
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120533 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The topic of archaeological apothekes, i.e., storage areas not intended for display and not accessible to the public (depositi in Italian), has only recently received the attention it deserves, for reasons related to the history of research methodology. The archiving of [...] Read more.
The topic of archaeological apothekes, i.e., storage areas not intended for display and not accessible to the public (depositi in Italian), has only recently received the attention it deserves, for reasons related to the history of research methodology. The archiving of archaeological material poses specific problems compared to other categories of material with which the process is generally associated, such as artistic artefacts. Excavation finds consist mainly (and increasingly) of a mass of anonymous, repetitive pottery fragments, not destined to be accessible to the public. The management of these storage facilities poses two sets of problems linked with its archiving: on one hand, its (digital) documentation; on the other hand, its physical arrangement. Both aspects have often been contemplated, but as separate entities by different specialists (archaeologists, conservators, etc.). An adequate approach requires however both aspects to be considered together, for archaeological material only achieves its full value when its context of origin is secure. Only proper management of digital and physical archives can ensure a full understanding of the historical significance of archaeological material. These challenges also apply to the Archaeological Mission of Phaistos, in Crete, where Italian have been active since 1900. The reorganisation of the warehouses in 2024–2025 provided an opportunity to adequately address both the digital archiving of the material and the layout of the warehouses, tackling at the same time the particularly pressing issue in this case of the reuse of ‘legacy data’, which poses problems of standardization. This led also to a new perspective, using old labels and boxes as metadata to reconstruct the methods of archaeological research. The main results however were the creation of a holistic approach to the management of archaeological material and its (written, graphic, photographic, and topographic) documentation through the adoption and implementation of PyArchInit (version 4.9.5), a plug-in of QGIS (version 3.40.7 Bratislava). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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21 pages, 41007 KB  
Article
Use of the Volatile Binder Menthyl Lactate to Temporarily Consolidate and Transport the Earthquake-Damaged Wooden Crucifix of Santa Maria Argentea in Norcia
by Vincenzo Amato, Sara Bassi and Renata Pintus
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120522 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
This contribution illustrates the research focused on the process of securing and the transportation prior to the conservation treatment of a wooden Crucifix—severely damaged in 2016 during the earthquake of Central Italy—through the application of menthyl lactate. The preparatory and paint layers of [...] Read more.
This contribution illustrates the research focused on the process of securing and the transportation prior to the conservation treatment of a wooden Crucifix—severely damaged in 2016 during the earthquake of Central Italy—through the application of menthyl lactate. The preparatory and paint layers of the polychrome sculpture are extremely fragile due to decohesion issues and the presence of unstable cleavages and losses linked to severe thermo-hygrometric variations. Many scientific and application tests were carried out in the laboratory and then, later, on a fragment of the Crucifix in order to identify the volatile binder best-suited to this case study: menthyl lactate was selected among six binders as the most appropriate compound due to its effective consolidation, lower sublimation rate, negligible residue, and non-hazardousness. Lastly, a very specific transportation system was designed and realised to move the work, without further loss and damage, from the storage building where it was kept in Spoleto to the conservation department of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence. The volatile binder will continue to be locally applied to allow the mechanical cleaning, in order to remove the thick deposits of debris without damaging the colour. The conservation treatment will be carried out in the future, in parallel with further scientific tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 10004 KB  
Article
Integrated Environmental Monitoring for Heritage Conservation: The Case of the King’s Apartment in the Royal Palace of Turin
by Valessia Tango, Laura Guidorzi, Mariagrazia Morando, Alice Cutullè, Sergio Enrico Favero-Longo, Silvia Ferrarese, Davide Bertoni, Tommaso Poli, Maria Beatrice Failla and Dominique Scalarone
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120520 - 10 Dec 2025
Viewed by 732
Abstract
The conservation of cultural heritage is highly influenced by environmental factors, including chemical and biological air quality and microclimatic conditions. Understanding their combined effects is essential for developing preventive conservation strategies. This study focuses on the indoor air quality in the King’s Apartment [...] Read more.
The conservation of cultural heritage is highly influenced by environmental factors, including chemical and biological air quality and microclimatic conditions. Understanding their combined effects is essential for developing preventive conservation strategies. This study focuses on the indoor air quality in the King’s Apartment in the Royal Palace of Turin (Italy), a historic building lacking air-conditioning systems, where a multidisciplinary approach was applied to assess the conservation environment. Continuous monitoring of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), temperature and relative humidity was performed between March 2024 and July 2025 using portable sensors; aerobiological analyses were carried out through active and passive sampling, while volatile compounds were identified via SPME-GC/MS. Pollutants and biological monitoring revealed fluctuations influenced by microclimatic variations and spatial position. Notably, results showed that one room exhibited the highest levels of concern across all monitoring activities, representing the most vulnerable environment. The use of a multidisciplinary approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of the environmental conditions affecting the King’s Apartment, highlighting the relevance of collaboration in heritage science to guide evidence-based preventive conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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41 pages, 11699 KB  
Article
Knowledge, Materials, and Construction Techniques as Guiding Factors in Conservation Interventions: An Interpretative Approach for the House of Arianna in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii
by Renata Picone, Valentina Russo, Lia Romano, Ersilia Fiore and Sara Iaccarino
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120508 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1302
Abstract
This paper presents a knowledge-based and interpretative model for the conservation of the House of Arianna, located in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, developed within the CHANGES project, Spoke 6—History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage. The research focused on two [...] Read more.
This paper presents a knowledge-based and interpretative model for the conservation of the House of Arianna, located in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, developed within the CHANGES project, Spoke 6—History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage. The research focused on two critical components of the site: the free-standing peristyle columns and the mosaic and frescoed surfaces preserved in situ. This workflow yielded a high-resolution digital model, analytical condition maps, and diagnostic datasets that directly inform conservation decisions. The results show that the columns exhibit internal discontinuities and weaknesses at their joints, a condition linked to heterogeneous construction techniques which increases the risk of drum slippage under wind and seismic loading. The mosaics display a marked loss of tesserae in exposed sectors over recent years, driven by moisture ingress, biological growth and mechanical stress. These findings support the adoption of low-impact, reversible measures, embedded within a prevention-first strategy based on planned conservation. The study formalizes a replicable methodology that aligns diagnostics, monitoring and conservation planning. By linking ‘skin’ and ‘structure’ within a unified interpretative matrix, the approach enhances both structural safety and material legibility. The workflow proposed here offers transferable guidance for the sustainable preservation and inclusive interpretation of exposed archaeological ensembles in the Vesuvian context and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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21 pages, 5647 KB  
Article
Integrated Comprehensive Characterization of Black Crusts from Milan’s Monumental Cemetery: A Synergistic Approach Combining Conventional and Unconventional Analytical Techniques
by Andrea Bergomi, Valeria Comite, Mattia Borelli, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Elisa Festa, Mohamed Oujja, Marta Castillejo, Laura Maestro-Guijarro, Paula Maria Carmona-Quiroga, Ana Crespo, Michela Pirovano and Paola Fermo
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120506 - 1 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 653
Abstract
Black crusts are degradation features found on stone buildings, offering valuable insights into local pollution sources. Their composition and structure reflect environmental conditions, making them important indicators for environmental and conservation studies. In this study, black crusts collected from funerary monuments in the [...] Read more.
Black crusts are degradation features found on stone buildings, offering valuable insights into local pollution sources. Their composition and structure reflect environmental conditions, making them important indicators for environmental and conservation studies. In this study, black crusts collected from funerary monuments in the Monumental Cemetery of Milan were comprehensively characterized using SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy, LIBS, and oxidative potential (OP) assays. SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy revealed extensive degradation of the substrate and the incorporation of pollutant-derived particles, with heavy metals such as Fe, Zn, and Pb detected in more than 90% of the samples. Correlation analysis proved effective in distinguishing major pollution sources, primarily vehicular and railway traffic, indicated by strong associations such as Zn–Mn (r = 0.896), Fe–Zn (r = 0.734), and Fe–Mn (r = 0.655), from minor sources linked to industrial emissions, reflected in correlations including Ti–Pb (r = 0.589), Pb–Cl (r = 0.702), and S–Pb (r = 0.661). Instead, LIBS analysis confirmed stratigraphic penetration of these elements beyond the surface layers, suggesting long-term accumulation. OP assays, applied here for the first time to black crusts, showed values between 0.5 and 3.0 pmol min−1 µg−1, indicating moderate oxidative reactivity linked to metal content. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of pollution-driven stone decay and support the development of more effective diagnostic and conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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23 pages, 7306 KB  
Article
Risk Analysis of Stratified Landscapes: Toward an Integrated System for Documenting and Managing Cultural Heritage in Southern Sicily
by Eliana Fischer, Gian Michele Gerogiannis, Erica Platania and Dario Puglisi
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120501 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
This study presents the preliminary results of the design and implementation of an advanced data management infrastructure developed to enhance the study, interpretation, and preservation of historical and archaeological contexts. Conducted within the framework of the PNRR CHANGES Project, Spoke 6, the initiative [...] Read more.
This study presents the preliminary results of the design and implementation of an advanced data management infrastructure developed to enhance the study, interpretation, and preservation of historical and archaeological contexts. Conducted within the framework of the PNRR CHANGES Project, Spoke 6, the initiative promotes the integration of scientific research, digital innovation, and cultural heritage enhancement. One of the principal outcomes of the project is the development and configuration of ARPAS (“Analisi del Rischio nel Paesaggio Stratificato” or “Risk Analysis of Stratified Landscape”), a centralised Geospatial Database capable of ensuring reliable data archiving, real-time analytical processing, and collaborative information sharing among researchers and institutions engaged in cultural heritage management. The paper discusses key methodological challenges related to the heterogeneity of available documentation and the limitations of existing tools currently used for heritage research and protection in the Italian, and particularly Sicilian, context. At the same time, it highlights the potential of the proposed system in terms of data accessibility, verifiability, and query ability, as well as its ability to integrate and interrelate heterogeneous datasets within a multilayered, interdisciplinary framework for cultural landscape research. The pilot deployment focuses on a geographic area in southeastern Sicily, drawing upon documentation of the cultural landscape across four provinces—Agrigento, Catania, Ragusa, and Siracusa—and integrating archaeological, architectural, and environmental data to support risk assessment and heritage conservation strategies. Results appear to demonstrate ARPAS’s potential to improve the completeness of information, manage stratification across temporal layers, and support predictive and preventive analyses for cultural heritage at the landscape level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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12 pages, 273 KB  
Article
The Digitization of Human Skeletal Collections: New Challenges and Perspectives
by Maria Giovanna Belcastro, Rita Sorrentino, Davide Mameli, Annalisa Pietrobelli, Teresa Nicolosi, Valentina Mariotti, Carla Figus, Elisa Lodolo, Laura Forni, Stefano Ratti, Antonio Rosas, Luis Francisco Ríos Frutos, Antony Colombo, Melania Maglio, Lucia Martini, Gregorio Marchiori, Gianluca Giavaresi and Milena Fini
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110488 - 19 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
Human skeletal remains are a crucial source for understanding biocultural and evolutionary processes. Yet, their study and management are challenged by social, religious, and political factors, placing them in a ‘grey area’ within cultural heritage. Human skeletal collections often carry colonial legacies, raising [...] Read more.
Human skeletal remains are a crucial source for understanding biocultural and evolutionary processes. Yet, their study and management are challenged by social, religious, and political factors, placing them in a ‘grey area’ within cultural heritage. Human skeletal collections often carry colonial legacies, raising ethical concerns and new challenges for research, curation, and public engagement in academic and museum institutions. In this context, digitization offers expanding opportunities for public exhibition and definition of human remains as part of our culture, while ensuring long-term preservation. Virtual approaches serve also as a useful tool to investigate human variability from evolutionary, bioarchaeological, and forensic perspectives. Moreover, digital access fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and research by enabling global scholarly engagement beyond physical limitations. Through the CHANGES project, we have initiated the digitization of the Documented Human Osteological Collections (DHOC) of the University of Bologna—one of Italy’s largest collections—making these resources available via the 3D data repository MorphoSource. This contribution provides updates on newly digitized material and reports on access requests received to date. We conclude by considering the emerging responsibilities of anthropologists in the use of virtual human skeletal collections, promoting best practices for the management of the anthropological digital twins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
32 pages, 21706 KB  
Article
Seismic Risk Assessment and Sustainable Geotechnical Solutions for Building Heritage: A Case Study in Southeastern Sicily
by Angela Fiamingo, Ettore Mangione, Glenda Abate and Maria Rossella Massimino
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110485 - 18 Nov 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1010
Abstract
The protection of historic buildings in seismic-prone regions is a critical challenge requiring strategies that balance structural safety with cultural preservation. This study proposes an integrated methodological framework for assessing seismic risk in heritage contexts by combining Geographic Information System (GIS)-based large-scale analyses [...] Read more.
The protection of historic buildings in seismic-prone regions is a critical challenge requiring strategies that balance structural safety with cultural preservation. This study proposes an integrated methodological framework for assessing seismic risk in heritage contexts by combining Geographic Information System (GIS)-based large-scale analyses with detailed Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. At the urban scale, the framework is applied to more than 70 buildings in the historic center of Bronte (Eastern Sicily, Italy) to evaluate Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI) effects and identify priority areas for mitigation. At a detailed scale, the approach is validated through an in-depth investigation of the San Giovanni Evangelista bell-tower, a representative historic structure within the study area. For this case, sustainable Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI) systems using well-graded Gravel–Rubber Mixtures (wgGRMs) are numerically tested as a low-impact retrofitting strategy. The results demonstrate that combining large-scale mapping with detailed structural modeling provides both broad urban insight and accurate site-specific evaluations, offering a replicable decision-support tool for seismic risk reduction in heritage environments. Additionally, wgGRMs-based GSI system significantly reduces seismic accelerations and drifts, offering a low-impact, sustainable retrofitting solution that reuses waste materials and fully preserves architectural integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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38 pages, 12996 KB  
Article
Street and Urban Muralism in Public Art: Conservation Between Evolution and Research in the Methods of the Istituto Centrale per Il Restauro
by Paola Mezzadri, Sara De Angelis, Rebecca Picca Orlandi, Michela Renna and Giancarlo Sidoti
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110483 - 17 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of a research line developed at the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro within the CHANGES (Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Next-Gen Sustainable Society) project, funded under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The research was developed in [...] Read more.
This paper presents an overview of a research line developed at the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro within the CHANGES (Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Next-Gen Sustainable Society) project, funded under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The research was developed in different phases: a first one dedicated to the study of the deep background and the state of the art in the ICR background: history, methodologies and research in the field; a second phase was dedicated to the selection of a specific urban art mural, as a key study with conservation problems connected to some of the principal preservation treatments related to the outdoor context; the mural was also identified as a beloved icon in the public space with a profound socio-cultural meaning for the community. Nido di Vespe, created in 2014 by the artist Lucamaleonte is part of a broader artistic project called M.U.Ro-Museum of Urban Art of Rome, an open-air public art museum located in the Quadraro district in Rome, designed by the artist Diavù. A third phase focused on the research in ICR laboratories, specifically addressing: cleaning, reintegration, and protection strategies adapted to dynamic outdoor environments. A multi-step cleaning system based on polyvinyl alcohol-borax semi-interpenetrated hydrogels loaded with nanostructured fluids was developed to selectively remove spray-paint vandalism while preserving the chemically similar original pictorial layers. The reintegration phase investigated acrylic and urea-aldehyde resins as binders to produce compatible, reversible, and UV-traceable retouching and infilling materials. For surface protection, multilayer coating systems incorporating nanoparticles with antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and UV-stabilizing properties were formulated to enhance durability and chromatic stability. Laboratory tests on mock-ups simulating typical street and urban art materials and morphologies showed satisfactory results, while diagnostic investigations on Nido di Vespe provided the reference data to calibrate the experiments with real mural conditions. Cleaning tests demonstrated promising removal efficiency, influenced by the chemical composition, thickness of the overpainted layers, and surface roughness. The reintegration system met the expected performance requirements, as the tested binders provided good results and allowed the development of compatible, reversible, and distinguishable solutions. Protective coatings showed good results in terms of chromatic stability and surface integrity; however, the long-term behavior of both reintegration, cleaning, and protection systems requires further evaluation. The results achieved so far support the development of sustainable and flexible conservation strategies for the conservation of contemporary street and urban murals and will guide the future application of the selected materials and methodologies in pilot conservation interventions on the mural chosen as a meaningful case study within the broader research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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23 pages, 7279 KB  
Article
The Complex Life of Stone Heritage: Diagnostics and Metabarcoding on Mosaics from the Archaeological Park of Baia (Bacoli, Italy)
by Alessandro De Rosa, Giorgio Trojsi, Massimo Rippa, Antimo Di Meo, Matteo Borriello, Pasquale Rossi, Paolo Caputo and Paola Cennamo
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110470 - 10 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 921
Abstract
This study investigates the biodeterioration of mosaic surfaces in a semi-confined archaeological environment along the Phlegraean coast (Baiae, Italy), focusing on the interaction between salt efflorescence and phototrophic biofilms. A multi-analytical approach was employed, integrating in situ observations with ex situ analyses, including [...] Read more.
This study investigates the biodeterioration of mosaic surfaces in a semi-confined archaeological environment along the Phlegraean coast (Baiae, Italy), focusing on the interaction between salt efflorescence and phototrophic biofilms. A multi-analytical approach was employed, integrating in situ observations with ex situ analyses, including SEM/EDS, FTIR spectroscopy, and metabarcoding (16S and 18S rRNA), to characterize both abiotic and biotic alteration patterns. Results highlight subtle traces of spatial differentiation: samples from the more exposed sector showed a more consistent colonization by halotolerant and halophilic taxa, particularly among Halobacteria and Rubrobacter, along with abundant sodium, chloride, and sulfate signals suggestive of active salt crystallization. Protected areas exhibit a comparable presence of salts with less diverse halophilic communities that vary along a vertical gradient of light exposure. The integration of chemical and biological data supports a model in which salt stress and biofilm development are co-dependent and synergistic in driving surface degradation. These findings emphasize the need for context-specific conservation strategies that account for the combined action of environmental salinity and microbial communities on historical materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 12006 KB  
Article
Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Knowledge of Ancient Monuments: Integrating Archaeological, Archaeometric, and Historical Data to Reconstruct the Building History of the Benedictine Monastery of Catania
by Roberta Occhipinti, Maura Fugazzotto, Cristina Maria Belfiore, Lucrezia Longhitano, Gian Michele Gerogiannis, Paolo Mazzoleni, Pietro Maria Militello and Germana Barone
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110467 - 6 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1036
Abstract
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodies a complex architectural and historical stratigraphy, reflecting successive construction phases, functional changes, and the impact of catastrophic events, including the 1669 lava flow and the 1693 earthquake. As part [...] Read more.
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodies a complex architectural and historical stratigraphy, reflecting successive construction phases, functional changes, and the impact of catastrophic events, including the 1669 lava flow and the 1693 earthquake. As part of the CHANGES project, this study combines historical–archaeological research with non-invasive in situ scientific analyses to investigate the materials and the conservation state of the monumental complex. Stratigraphic analysis identified multiple masonry and plaster units, allowing the reconstruction of five main construction phases and related functional changes. Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFT), and handheld optical microscopy provided rapid insights into the chemical and mineralogical composition of plasters and mortars, highlighting lime-based binders with variable aggregate, including volcanic clasts, sand, and cocciopesto. In situ diagnostic analyses allowed us to distinguish pre- and post-earthquake materials, while historical data contextualized construction phases and functional transformations. The integration of archaeological and scientific approaches proved to be complementary: historical evidence guides the selection of analytical targets, while diagnostic results enrich and validate the interpretation of the building’s evolution. This interdisciplinary methodology establishes a robust framework for the understanding and valorization of complex cultural heritage sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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35 pages, 11658 KB  
Article
An Approach to Risk Assessment and Planned Preventative Maintenance of Cultural Heritage: The Case of the Hypogeum Archaeological Site of Sigismund Street (Rimini, Italy)
by Anna Casarotto, Sara Fiorentino and Mariangela Vandini
Heritage 2025, 8(9), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8090344 - 23 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1540
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive approach to risk management and planned preventative maintenance (PPM) for cultural heritage, focusing on the hypogeum archaeological site beneath the Chamber of Commerce in Rimini, Italy. Hypogeal environments pose unique conservation challenges due to their microclimates, biological threats, [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive approach to risk management and planned preventative maintenance (PPM) for cultural heritage, focusing on the hypogeum archaeological site beneath the Chamber of Commerce in Rimini, Italy. Hypogeal environments pose unique conservation challenges due to their microclimates, biological threats, and structural vulnerabilities. Applying the ABC Method—developed by ICCROM and CCI—this research systematically identifies, analyzes, and prioritizes risks associated with agents of risks. The methodology was complemented by the Nara Grid to assess the site’s authenticity and cultural value, aiding in the delineation of risk areas and informing strategic conservation priorities. The study identifies efflorescence formation, flooding risks, and lack of management guidelines as extreme threats, proposing tailored treatments and practical interventions across multiple layers of control. Through environmental monitoring, empirical analysis, and a multidisciplinary framework, the research offers a replicable model for sustainable conservation and preventive heritage management in similar subterranean contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

38 pages, 6265 KB  
Review
Towards the Definition of Guidelines for the Conservation of Mural Paintings in Hypogea
by Sara Iafrate, Manuel Giandomenico, Roberta Cucchietti, Chiara Russo, Marco Bartolini, Lucia Conti, Sara De Angelis, Vanessa Fontani, Alma Kumbaric, Giancarlo Sidoti, Marco Tescari and Giorgio Sobrà
Heritage 2025, 8(11), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110472 - 10 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1994
Abstract
Preventive conservation and restoration of mural paintings in hypogean environments is a significant challenge. These types of settings are particularly difficult to manage due to their peculiar morphological and microclimatic features. Since its foundation in 1939, the Central Institute for Restoration (Istituto Centrale [...] Read more.
Preventive conservation and restoration of mural paintings in hypogean environments is a significant challenge. These types of settings are particularly difficult to manage due to their peculiar morphological and microclimatic features. Since its foundation in 1939, the Central Institute for Restoration (Istituto Centrale per il Restauro—ICR) within the Italian Ministry of Culture has been engaged in the prevention and safety of these unique cultural heritage assets. Starting from a holistic analysis of vulnerability and hazards specific to hypogean environments, this study examines the main risks and corresponding conservation strategies. Particular attention is given to the impact of residual risk on restoration decision-making, with the aim of defining logistical and operational requirements to carry out sustainable and enduring interventions in these complex settings. The compatibility and durability of restoration materials under hypogean conditions are also examined. Furthermore, thanks to funding provided by the PNRR CHANGES project, a few research directions are proposed to address unresolved issues through the investigation and assessment of innovative products and methodologies. This review aims to lay the foundation for the development of guidelines incorporating protocols for the conservation and restoration of mural paintings in hypogean contexts, with particular attention to the needs and constraints imposed by these specific environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

17 pages, 1078 KB  
Project Report
Reporting on the Fountains and Monuments in Turin Project: A Proposal for the Preventive and Planned Conservation of Outdoor Cultural Heritage
by Francesca Bocasso, Michela Cardinali, Laura Fornara, Paola Manchinu and Virginia Valesio
Heritage 2025, 8(12), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8120514 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 789
Abstract
The conservation of cultural heritage increasingly requires a transition from emergency restoration to preventive and planned strategies supported by systematic data management. Within this context, this paper, conceived as a project report, presents the methodological premises, operational framework, and preliminary outcomes of the [...] Read more.
The conservation of cultural heritage increasingly requires a transition from emergency restoration to preventive and planned strategies supported by systematic data management. Within this context, this paper, conceived as a project report, presents the methodological premises, operational framework, and preliminary outcomes of the Fountains and Monuments in the Public Space of the City of Turin project, developed within the CHANGES Project—National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU. The project explores the integration of preventive and planned conservation methodologies with digital tools for the sustainable management of outdoor cultural heritage. Five case studies in Turin, identified in collaboration with local authorities, provided the basis for developing a protocol for planned conservation. A digital platform was designed as the operational tool of this protocol, integrating georeferenced data, 3D models, interactive dashboards, and modules for inspection, planning, and monitoring. The platform enables data-driven prioritisation of interventions, traceability of conservation activities, and long-term documentation management. Although still at the demonstrator stage, it shows potential for scalability and transferability. The study concludes that the integration of interdisciplinary expertise and digital innovation can effectively support preventive and planned conservation, strengthening the systematic management of outdoor cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue History, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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