Thanks to its solid experience in the restoration and renovation of historic buildings, FILA has been selected as a partner in restoring the antique splendour of the Temple of Canova in Possagno, province of Treviso.
Nestling in the Treviso hills a short distance from Asolo, Possagno became famous through its illustrious citizen Antonio Canova, an artist known as “the new Fidia”. Close to the town centre is the neoclassical church of the Holy Trinity, commonly known as the Temple of Canova.
Regarded as the artist’s most famous architectural work, the Temple stands out for its three integrated architectural elements: the colonnade, which evokes the Parthenon in Athens; the central structure, which recalls the Pantheon in Rome; and the apse of the high altar, six steps higher than the other two.
Thirteen years after the last maintenance project the external natural stone surfaces (Rosso Verona, Verdello and Biancone, all with a rough finish) had developed a black patina caused by smog, mould, lichens and various atmospheric particulates that had built up over time. The interior floor also required attention.
The project, strongly promoted by FILA Chairman Beniamino Pettenon to mark the 200th anniversary of the laying of the first stone by the artist himself, is part of a keen desire to be actively involved the preservation and restoration of the Italian artistic and cultural heritage.
A work of art begins to deteriorate immediately after its completion, and the speed of this process depends on both natural and anthropogenic factors. This deterioration is progressive and irreversible; its rapidity and impact can vary according to the type of material and the physical-chemical and biological agents involved, which may differ. But the process can be slowed down and the work's beauty can be restored by care and maintenance performed using specialist products and highly qualified personnel.
Following feasibility studies in collaboration with Ente Opera Dotazione del Tempio Canoviano di Possagno, FILA’s team of experts proceeded with the restoration of the steps, the parvis and the interior flooring.
“The biggest problem we encountered during the project”, says Giandomenico Cattuzzo, FILA technical supervisor, “was the extent to which the dirt had actually penetrated. Despite the fact that we had to repeat the treatment multiple times we were extremely satisfied when we realised that we’d restored the surfaces to their original beauty.”
Methodology and products used
For the exterior surfaces:
- Physical cleaning with latest generation low-pressure washers, to remove surface deposits (exterior paving and steps);
- Rinsing to remove all product residues.
- Application of a natural effect, water-based, breathable water-repellent to protect the exterior surface and the stairs to the monument (Hydrorep Eco).
For the interior surface:
- Washing with a specialist, concentrated, pH-neutral detergent for cleaning delicate surfaces (FILA Cleaner);
- Finishing treatment with liquid wax to protect and renovate the flooring (Classic).
Through this project FILA confirmed its commitment as a strategic partner to heritage boards, public administrations and associations in the protection, restoration and safeguarding of the Italian artistic heritage.
The work was carried out by:
· EUGANEA TRATTAMENTI - Roberto Rossetto;
· STONE SISTEM - Fabrizio Zangara;
· TRATTAPLUS - Alberto Sgarbossa;
· PROTEC - Vinicio Cecchin;
· TECNOLOGIE TRATTAMENTI - Nicola Puppo.