Digital modeling for restoration knowledge on built heritage: the case study of the Church of “Santa Maria della Neve” or “Michelizia” in Tropea, Calabria (1980-2025).

This study is part of the research field regarding the use of digital tools for knowledge, enhancement and management of the built cultural heritage. Digitization of the AEC industry is spreading thanks to Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is mandatory for some jobs in Italy. Instead, digital modeling to collect information for knowledge of the historical built heritage and maintenance works carried out over time is little used. Its use can provide different outputs: (i) It contributes to the appreciation of the building. Digital exploration is an easily accessible way of enjoyment that overcomes spatial and geographical boundaries, so allows further levels of investigation compared to physical enjoyment alone; (ii) It serves as a database that collects all available data. It is similar to a building identity card that shows historical information, maintenance and events that have occurred over time; (iii) It allows a quick comparison with similar buildings and works uploaded into the database. The paper proposes a digital modeling application configured as a tool to support preservation and management of cultural heritage. The methodology is replicable and aimed at creating an open tool that can be updated over time, designed for different levels of use. The Church of “Michelizia” in Tropea (Calabria, southern Italy) is the case study of the paper. The church dates back to the 13th century. It has been restored in various steps over the last decades, with funds allocated by the Italian Ministry of Culture through the Segretariato Regionale per la Calabria. The first documented restoration can be dated to 1980, which was necessary to replace the original wooden roof. In the 2010s, work to replace the floor and eliminate rising damp discovered the archaeological structures of the original Church of “Santa Maria della Neve” (13th century). The discovery provided the opportunity for subsequent restoration and refunctionalization by combining restoration needs and enjoyment of the archaeological structures brought to light. Between 2021 and 2024 the dome was reinforced for seismic actions. Other works are currently underway to complete the restoration of the entire church. A digital model of the case study has been created. It brings together the various restorations listed through the collection of all the information that is implementable and always available for open consultation, so the digital model supports the knowledge of the building by all stakeholders. The paper illustrates the first results of the applied methodology.