Santa Giusta, lesson in the crypt with a surprise: the georadar highlights "anomalies" in the Romanesque basilica, analysis underway

Is there a new tomb? Or a wall? Who knows. To find out, we have to wait for the experts' analysis. What was supposed to be a lesson on the theme of the restoration of the Romanesque in Sardinia from the nineteenth century to today, has become a surprise.

In the crypt inside the Basilica of Santa Giusta , at the entrance to the town, the georadar has made experts notice the presence of several “anomalies” . Now they will be analyzed to understand what one of the most characteristic religious buildings of the Romanesque period in Sardinia tells.

Inside the crypt, the only one from the Romanesque period in Sardinia to be entirely built in masonry and where the relics of Saints Giusta, Giustina and Enedina are kept, there were 25 students from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Alghero, specializing in archaeology . All involved in a training experience in the field, between theory, history and practice of restoration. An event promoted by the University in collaboration with the Fondazione Sardegna Isola del Romanico. Professors Bruno Billeci and Maria Dessì first addressed the issue of the protection and restoration of architecture, then, during the guided tour of the basilica, they simulated a diagnostic campaign with georadar , a non-invasive instrument that in recent years has assumed great importance for the diagnostics of the safety of infrastructures.

"During the illustration of the analysis methodologies and restoration techniques - explains Antonello Figus, president of the Foundation - the instrumentation highlighted some anomalies. Now the experts will begin the study to understand what is hidden underground. The students experienced a precious moment of active learning with an unexpected surprise. Now all we have to do is wait for the results of the analyses".

The event is part of a study and valorization process of the Sardinian Romanesque heritage, which aims to reflect on restoration practices through a dialogue between academic research, field experience and cultural heritage.