Science and knowledge, an essential synergy to protect and enhance Cultural Heritage

The concept of knowledge had already been dealt with in ancient Greece by renowned scholars, like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, with the purpose of defining its significance and value. Over time, other scholars have been tackling this topic, thus confirming the importance of knowledge in the cultural scene. In the field of cultural heritage, knowledge is essential to be aware of and to understand, in the broadest sense of the word, the state of conservation of an asset in order to identify effective solutions and tools that can help solve the problems related to the deterioration developing in time and space. The historical, artistic and monumental heritage is an expression of the culture of a community which identifies with it and uses it to hand down values to future generations. Therefore, when actions on a valuable asset, like a building of historical or monumental importance, are envisaged, it is crucial to adopt a critical, methodological and epistemological approach to organize and manage the knowledge process so as to identify solutions that can assure the best results in its protection, thanks to the support of science and of the soundest technique. This paper highlights the importance of a systematic and integrated knowledge process aimed at enhancing cultural heritage.