Italian Middle Byzantine Churches: A Comparison Through Masonry Quality Analysis

• Published in: International journal of architectural heritage Vol. 15; no. 10; pp. 1474 - 1491
• Main Authors: Manzo, Antonella, Cantini, Lorenzo, Chesi, Claudio, Parisi, Maria Adelaide
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 03-10-2021
• Subjects: Byzantine churches; direct sonic tests; La Cattolica; masonry quality; NDT; Santa Fosca
• ISSN: 1558-3058; 1558-3066
• DOI: 10.1080/15583058.2019.1700321

The work focuses on the structural properties of two Byzantine churches built during the 11
th
century in Torcello (Venice Laguna) and Stilo (east coast of Calabria). Despite the large distance between the two religious buildings and deep differences in the building typology, some common features are detectable, recalling the construction solutions of the Byzantine structures. Both churches, well known from an historical and artistic point of view, represent two important examples of the Byzantine period. The authors, involved in a vulnerability analysis of these buildings, had the opportunity to investigate some structural characteristics of the masonry walls through non-destructive tests (NDT). The results of the experimental campaign are presented here in order to contribute to the knowledge of Byzantine constructive systems.