Identification, characterization and weathering of the stones used in medieval religious architecture in L’Aquila (Italy)

In the city of L’Aquila the historical and artistic significance and the density of religious buildings is notable. From the 11th to the 19th century the ornamental stones quarried in the surroundings of L’Aquila have been used for religious architecture, civil artefacts and buildings of great artistic and historical relevance. Great emphasis has been placed on the recognition of ancient quarries where these ornamental stones were carved. In this paper the petrographical, physical, mechanical and technological characteristics of the limestones and marly limestones sampled in the quarries are reported. The main characteristics will be discussed and correlated to the decay forms, with the aim of achieving a general strategic approach based on a diagnostic phase and an application phase.