The comprehensive restoration of the Church of Santos Juanes is one of the most significant heritage conservation projects recently carried out in Valencia. Promoted by the Hortensia Herrero Foundation and executed by the Institute for Heritage Restoration of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the intervention has combined artistic and ornamental restoration (such as the recovery of Palomino’s frescoes and the sculptural ensemble) with an extensive structural rehabilitation.
iTEAM, through the Signal Processing Group (GTS), has contributed to this project by providing advanced technology applied to historical heritage. The team, with the participation of Jorge Gosálbez and Nacho Bosch and, employed non-destructive testing techniques based on ground-penetrating radar (GPR), combined with advanced signal processing, to support decision-making throughout the rehabilitation process.
The use of GPR made it possible to detect hidden construction elements and assess the internal condition of walls, vaults, and buttresses without the need for invasive interventions. Among the most notable results was the identification of a concealed structural element within a lunette of the central nave, as well as the precise location of an internal service staircase, whose actual position differed from the one initially expected. Thanks to the acquired data and the 3D reconstructions performed, a single targeted inspection was sufficient to confirm its existence and exact location, thereby reducing risks and maximizing the preservation of the heritage asset.
The involvement of our researchers highlights how technology can become a key ally in the conservation of historical heritage, ensuring rigor, efficiency, and respect for original elements.