Integrated survey as a support for the restoration project of historic religious heritage

The restoration of historic religious architecture represents a very complex operation that requires a multidisciplinary approach and a deep respect for the history and identity of the site. In this context, architectural survey stands out as an essential tool, providing a solid knowledge base necessary to guide the restoration process. This paper, in its essence, has two simple goals. Firstly, to explore the role of architectural survey as an essential support in the restoration project. Secondly, to draw attention to a historical monument of secondary importance, which may not have national resonance but still deserves to be acknowledged. The topic of this research, conducted by several professors from different disciplinary areas of the Department of Engineering and Architecture of Parma University, is the in-depth study of the Beata Vergine del Carmine complex in Soragna (Parma, Italy). Partially abandoned for several years, it consists of the Church of Beata Vergine del Carmine and the former convent of San Rocco. In relation to the wider general research, this paper will present only the outcomes of the survey campaigns carried out on the various buildings of the complex with the purpose of obtaining support documentation for two different projects: the restoration of the former convent and the structural consolidation of the church.