Assessing the Impact of Lichens on Saint Simeon Church, Paşabağ Valley (Cappadocia, Turkey): Potential Damaging Effects versus Protection from Rainfall and Winds

Lichen colonization on Saint Simeon Church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, primarily offers protective benefits against weathering rather than causing damage. A multidisciplinary study found that lichens form encrustations with calcium oxalate layers, which mitigate water penetration and eolian erosion, reducing deterioration on the northwest side of the church despite exposure to wind-driven rain (WDR) and freezing-thawing cycles. In contrast, the northeast side, with lower lichen coverage, showed more severe weathering. The research highlights the potential for integrating lichen bioprotection into conservation strategies to enhance monument preservation.

Casanova Municchia, A., Giordani, P., Taniguchi, Y., & Caneva, G. (2024). Assessing the Impact of Lichens on Saint Simeon Church, Paşabağ Valley (Cappadocia, Turkey): Potential Damaging Effects versus Protection from Rainfall and Winds. Applied Sciences, 14(16), 6943. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166943