Methodological approach to monitor Roman Catacombs: Experience in the Catacombs of St. Mark, Marcellian and Damasus, Rome, Italy

The paper illustrates the methodological approach of monitoring and diagnostics currently tested in the Cubicle of the Twelve Apostles, Catacombs of St. Mark, Marcellian and Damasus, Rome, in the framework of HYPOGEA project initiated in 2012 by PCAS and ICVBC-CNR of Florence. Outcomes of the first year of monitoring are discussed based on petrographic evidence from stratigraphic investigation of mural painting samples, colorimetric measurements, FT-IR and XRD spectra, and surface microtopographic survey by digital micro-photogrammetry. Parallel microclimate monitoring (T, RH, air CO2 content, air mass movement) was undertaken. Operational issues are discussed in light of the solutions chosen to balance conservation and technical needs, and costs constraints. Monitoring is here assumed as a mean to plan preservation to ensure public accessibility.