Petrographic, petrophysical and engineering geological properties of stone materials employed in the Late Baroque of Val di Noto UNESCO Heritage sites (Sicily, Italy)

A comprehensive analysis of the petrographic, petrophysical, and engineering geological properties of stone materials used in the Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto reveals a unique relationship between local geology and architectural innovation. The study identifies two primary lithotypes—Hyblean limestones (sedimentary) and Etnean lavas (magmatic)—whose distinct characteristics contribute to the towns' bichromy, a hallmark of their post-1693 earthquake reconstruction. Findings highlight how these stones, exposed to atmospheric agents like rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and saline crystallization, undergo weathering processes that threaten their durability. The research provides critical insights into the petrophysical behavior—including porosity, seismic resistance, and deterioration patterns—of these materials, offering a foundational tool for conserving and restoring this UNESCO-listed heritage. Published in Boletín Geológico Y Minero, this work bridges geological science and cultural preservation, emphasizing the importance of material properties in sustaining architectural integrity.

Punturo, R., Indelicato, V., Mineo, S., Pappalardo, G., Lanzafame, G., Visalli, R., & Cirrincione, R. (2026). Petrographic, petrophysical and engineering geological properties of stone materials employed in the Late Baroque of Val di Noto UNESCO Heritage sites (Sicily, Italy). Boletín Geológico Y Minero, 137(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/137.1/003