Integrated geophysical surveys were undertaken in the Crypt of the Holy Spirit located in the Monopoli’s territory (Apulia region, southern Italy). The Crypt is a remarkable example of hypogeal church, sculptured in the rock. It is dated between the XII and the XIII century, and underwent several architectural changes during the centuries. Geophysical surveys were performed in order to obtain information about the structural conditions of the Crypt and to investigate the probable existence of features of archaeological interest (such as tombs) inside the Crypt. Surveys were integrated in a comprehensive project for the restoration and the valorisation of the Crypt.Seismic (sonic and ultrasonic) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) methods were used. GPR investigations provided information on possible buried remains. Some of the anomalies have been emphasized and enhanced by microwave inversion tomography. Seismic refraction tomography along with GPR have been performed on the hypogeal vault of the crypt, to detect possible internal fractures.The columns of the crypt have been investigated by ultrasonic and GPR techniques which demonstrated the presence of cracks and deteriorations.Finally, GPR prospection have been performed on a wall in the presbytery. The GPR results allowed us to characterize a detachment phenomena and to indentify a previous door opening.
A Multidisciplinary Analysis of the Crypt of the Holy Spirit in Monopoli (Southern Italy)
Persico R;
2012-01-01
Abstract
Integrated geophysical surveys were undertaken in the Crypt of the Holy Spirit located in the Monopoli’s territory (Apulia region, southern Italy). The Crypt is a remarkable example of hypogeal church, sculptured in the rock. It is dated between the XII and the XIII century, and underwent several architectural changes during the centuries. Geophysical surveys were performed in order to obtain information about the structural conditions of the Crypt and to investigate the probable existence of features of archaeological interest (such as tombs) inside the Crypt. Surveys were integrated in a comprehensive project for the restoration and the valorisation of the Crypt.Seismic (sonic and ultrasonic) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) methods were used. GPR investigations provided information on possible buried remains. Some of the anomalies have been emphasized and enhanced by microwave inversion tomography. Seismic refraction tomography along with GPR have been performed on the hypogeal vault of the crypt, to detect possible internal fractures.The columns of the crypt have been investigated by ultrasonic and GPR techniques which demonstrated the presence of cracks and deteriorations.Finally, GPR prospection have been performed on a wall in the presbytery. The GPR results allowed us to characterize a detachment phenomena and to indentify a previous door opening.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
