Integrated Dating of the Construction and Restoration of the Modena Cathedral Vaults (Northern Italy): Preliminary Results

Preliminary research on the Modena Cathedral vaults reveals significantly more earthquake damage than previously documented, with evidence of repairs dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The study used radiocarbon (14C), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), and thermoluminescence (TL) dating techniques to analyze building materials, uncovering that medieval bricks were reused in the cathedral's original 15th-century construction. Notably, lime mortar was employed for early repairs following seismic events, while gypsum mortar was introduced in the 18th century. This integrated approach not only clarifies the cathedral's construction timeline but also provides new insights into its restoration history and the impact of earthquakes on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tirelli, G., Lugli, S., Galli, A., Hajdas, I., Lindroos, A., Martini, M., Maspero, F., Olsen, J., Ringbom, Å., Sibilia, E., Caroselli, M., Silvestri, E., & Panzeri, L. (2020). Integrated Dating of the Construction and Restoration of the Modena Cathedral Vaults (Northern Italy): Preliminary Results. Radiocarbon, 62(3), 667–677. https://doi.org/10.1017/rdc.2020.10