Ariccia / Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Site: Ariccia (RM)
Year: 2019
Client: MIBACT - SABAP per l’area metropolitana di Roma, la provincia di Viterbo e l’Etruria Meridionale  
Area: 3186,81 mq

The Collegiate Church of S. Maria Assunta in Ariccia overlooks Piazza della Repubblica, in addition to the Palazzo Chigi.  It is considered to be one of the most exceptional and unitary architectural complexes of the Roman Baroque.  It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, on commission from Pope Alexander VII.
This restoration project will particularly affect the exedra and the messes of the Governor and the Minister.The objective of the project is to implement proper conservation of the artifact, with focus on enhancing the historical significance of the monument.
This investigation and surveys led to an understanding of the typology, morphology and location of the architectural decay. The primary causes of the alterations of the materials are the impacts of water and atmospheric agents - humidity infiltrations, lack of an adequate system for the disposal of rainwater, weather conditions-- rain, wind and sun - which produced and accelerated the decay.
The first part of the intervention to be carried out is the plaster, followed by the masonry behind, and on, the parts of the masonry altered by salts. A preliminary dry cleaning and removal of surface deposits present on the facings will take place, followed by the consolidation of the gaps between the layers. Next, the cracks and discontinuity will be sealed, followed by reintegration of any gaps. An air shaft will be created to isolate the structure and allow for proper water disposal.
Prior to all consolidation and protection actions, removal of weeds and excess vegetation will take place.