Greece opens consultation on new monument restoration guidelines

The consultation will remain open until 20 October 2026 and is addressed to the scientific community, design professionals, researchers, relevant public authorities and all other interested parties.

The new guideline was developed as part of the flagship research project To Eulogon, through collaboration between the TEE and an interdisciplinary team from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Scientific responsibility rests with Antonia Moropoulou, First Vice-President of the TEE. The evaluation process also involved the project’s national network, including representatives from engineering schools, ICOMOS, the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture (ELLET), scientific and construction-sector associations, and heritage protection organisations.

The TOTEE draws on expertise gained through the restoration of landmark monuments of international significance, notably the project at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Its primary focus is immovable cultural heritage, although the methodology could also be extended to listed buildings and infrastructure within the built environment.

The objective is to establish a unified scientific framework covering every stage of a restoration project, from initial documentation and diagnostic analysis to the execution of works and ongoing maintenance.

TEE President Giorgos Stasinos highlighted the importance of standardising an interdisciplinary methodology, noting that it could serve as a resilience framework for infrastructure throughout the built environment.

He also stressed that the sustainable preservation of monuments is particularly important in an era of climate crisis and rapid technological development, as it is linked not only to the protection of cultural heritage but also to broader social and economic needs.

Six stages covering the life cycle of monuments

A central feature of the new guideline is the standardisation of six distinct stages. This is intended to ensure that monument protection extends beyond restoration works to include systematic, long-term monitoring of each structure’s condition.

The proposed framework comprises:

Preliminary feasibility study: Initial definition of the project framework, compilation of historical records and assessment of feasibility.
Documentation and diagnostic analysis: Geometric, historical, architectural and structural surveys, together with an assessment of the monument’s existing condition.
Restoration strategy and proposal: Preparation of preliminary, detailed and implementation studies, based on the principles of compatibility, minimum intervention and reversibility.
Quality assurance system: Application of inspection and control protocols at every stage of the project.
Implementation and assessment of interventions: On-site supervision and scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of the works.
Monitoring, maintenance and risk management: Maintenance of a continuously updated digital record for each monument.

The approach aims to ensure that every stage is supported by scientific documentation while establishing a system capable of identifying deterioration at an early stage and preventing future problems.

Digital twins, artificial intelligence and non-destructive testing

The new TOTEE incorporates modern technologies for diagnosing, monitoring and protecting historic structures, with particular emphasis on non-destructive testing.

The proposed methodology includes the use of tools such as ultrasound testing, infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar, portable digital microscopy, rebound testing and Karsten tubes. These techniques can help assess material conditions and identify problems such as deterioration and moisture without the need for destructive intervention.

The guideline also provides for the use of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) to survey and model monuments in three dimensions, alongside the creation of Heritage Digital Twins. These digital models could be linked to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, enabling the continuous monitoring of structural behaviour.

Artificial intelligence algorithms are also envisaged for data analysis and the identification of signs of deterioration. At the same time, the guideline addresses cybersecurity requirements to protect sensor networks and digital monitoring infrastructure.

The digital record, described as a “Living Repository”, is a core tool within the proposed methodology. It will bring together data from sensors, routine inspections and maintenance interventions, supporting the ongoing assessment of each monument’s condition.

Climate and seismic resilience at the forefront

Climate change, extreme weather events and environmental pollution are placing increasing pressure on historic materials and monument structures. In response, the new guideline incorporates resilience into intervention planning, providing for the assessment of environmental loads and risk based on both the technical condition and the historical and cultural significance of each monument.

Risk assessments are expected to be supported by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helping authorities prioritise protection and maintenance needs.

In terms of seismic resilience, the methodology is linked to the Masonry Intervention Regulation (KADET), the Regulation for Structural Interventions (KAN.EPE.), performance levels and the assessment of historical seismicity.

The draft also takes into account Greece’s national legislative framework for cultural heritage protection, including Law 4858/2021, as well as international declarations issued by ICOMOS and UNESCO and European standards governing the conservation and protection of cultural heritage.

Interdisciplinary cooperation as a requirement

The proposed methodology is based on collaboration among different scientific disciplines, recognising that monument restoration requires a combination of historical, architectural, structural and materials expertise.

The framework envisages cooperation among architects, civil engineers, surveyors and geoinformatics specialists, chemical engineers and materials engineers, geologists, archaeologists and conservators.

Through the new TOTEE, the TEE aims to establish a common framework for scientific documentation and implementation that will strengthen the long-term protection of monuments and could be applied more broadly to listed buildings and infrastructure.