Ground penetrating radar survey reveals plaster stratigraphy and hidden structural voids in historical frescoed walls, highlighting the utility of non-invasive diagnostics for heritage conservation.
The Monastery of St. John in Müstair (Switzerland), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves an exceptional cycle of Carolingian and Romanesque frescoes. This study presents the results of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigation designed to assess the conservation state of a frescoed wall and to characterize the interaction between the mural surfaces and the underlying irregular masonry. Conducted within the MOLAB transnational access program, the survey employed complementary medium-frequency (900 MHz) and high-frequency (2 GHz) antennas to detect plaster stratigraphy, voids, detachments, and fractures. The results reveal a complex structural condition, including a dual-layer plaster system, localized voids and fractures, and areas of historic infill associated with past repair interventions. These findings are essential for planning targeted conservation measures and confirm the effectiveness of GPR as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in complex historical architectural contexts.
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Punzo et al. (2026) studied this question.
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