The state of conservation of S. Francisco Church in Évora (Portugal): the physico-chemical characterization of the plasters.

Abstract

The church of S. Francisco in Évora is one of the most interesting Portuguese gothic monuments. The original construction, probably dated from the thirteenth century, and had important changes in its structure and architecture, between 1460 and 1510, with many “Manueline” influences. Due to the structural problems visible in the vault, and the degradation of interior plasters, an intervention aiming at the restoration of the monument has been planned. In this article the diagnosis methodology for the evaluation of the state of conservation of the plasters is described. The main results obtained in the physico-chemical characterization of the mortars from the S. Francisco church are presented, and recommendations for repair are made. Samples of the interior plasters were extracted for laboratory tests. The results obtained indicate that, besides the superficial degradation, the ancient mortars are generally in good condition.