The S. Jerónimo Chapel, built in the early 16th century, was in a state of significant degradation and vandalism, which led IPPAR to promote a series of restoration works both inside and outside the chapel. 

Intervention goal

The conservation work aimed to address two distinct issues: one of an aesthetic nature, which sought to restore the natural beauty of the stone through various cleaning methods; and another of a curative and preventive nature, which aimed to halt biological alteration phenomena using biocidal treatments. 

Based on macroscopic observation, it was found that the stone material used in the chapel was in a reasonably good state of preservation. The observed anomalies mainly included biological colonization, the formation of black crusts, the presence of fractured or cracked elements, graffiti, and oxidized metal components. 

Steps and techniques used

The process began with the cleaning and repointing of masonry joints. Subsequently, the work included, in sequence, the cleaning and biocidal treatment of the exterior stonework, the cleaning and restoration of the interior stone elements of the chapel, and the restoration of lioz limestone pieces, including cutting, rough shaping, and bush hammering. Both traditional techniques, such as the application of aerial lime mortar, and more recent technologies, such as injections with inorganic grouts, were used.