Recent restoration work on Pisa Cathedral provided the opportunity for a multidisciplinary analysis of the monument that identified interesting aspects of its history, preservation, and structural safety. In particular, the study of the matroneum provided clues about the role of the structures in the well-known fire that occurred in 1595. Alteration patterns and damage forms on the stone masonry walls were analysed to better understand their relationship with this catastrophic event. The investigation of the stone specimens enabled textural and mineralogical features typical of fire damage to be identified on the surface. The evidence of fire also provided a terminus ante quem to correctly interpret and diachronically date a damage pattern consisting of cracks in the eastern arch supporting the dome. The cracks were likely to have been induced by a soil consolidation phenomenon related to the renowned leaning of the Pisa tower, centuries before the fire.

Material Characterisation for Preserving Cultural Heritage: Evidence of the 1595 Fire at Pisa Cathedral

Raneri S;
2022

Abstract

Recent restoration work on Pisa Cathedral provided the opportunity for a multidisciplinary analysis of the monument that identified interesting aspects of its history, preservation, and structural safety. In particular, the study of the matroneum provided clues about the role of the structures in the well-known fire that occurred in 1595. Alteration patterns and damage forms on the stone masonry walls were analysed to better understand their relationship with this catastrophic event. The investigation of the stone specimens enabled textural and mineralogical features typical of fire damage to be identified on the surface. The evidence of fire also provided a terminus ante quem to correctly interpret and diachronically date a damage pattern consisting of cracks in the eastern arch supporting the dome. The cracks were likely to have been induced by a soil consolidation phenomenon related to the renowned leaning of the Pisa tower, centuries before the fire.
2022
Istituto di Chimica dei Composti OrganoMetallici - ICCOM -
calcarenite; damage; fire; Pb; Stone masonry
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
prod_455261-doc_176879.pdf

solo utenti autorizzati

Descrizione: Material Characterisation for Preserving Cultural Heritage: Evidence of the 1595 Fire at Pisa Cathedral
Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 2.26 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.26 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/401341
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 3
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact