3D GPR assessment of the conservation state of a frescoed wall in the Monastery of St. John (Müstair, Switzerland)

A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) study of the UNESCO-listed Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair reveals complex structural conditions in its frescoed walls, including a dual-layer plaster system, localized voids and fractures, and evidence of historic repair interventions. The investigation, conducted using 900 MHz and 2 GHz antennas, demonstrates GPR's effectiveness as a non-invasive tool for assessing conservation states in intricate historical architecture. These findings provide critical insights for targeted preservation efforts, confirming the method's potential to guide restoration strategies while preserving cultural heritage integrity.

Punzo, M., Ferrari, I., Tarallo, D., Leucci, G., Cassitti, P., De Giorgi, L., Giuri, F., & Di Fiore, V. (2026). 3D GPR assessment of the conservation state of a frescoed wall in the Monastery of St. John (Müstair, Switzerland). Journal of Cultural Heritage, 81, 405–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2026.08.011