I restauri ottocenteschi della Chiesa di San Michele in Foro a Lucca

The contribution reconstructs the nineteenth-century restoration of the church of San Michele in Foro in Lucca, with particular attention to the work directed by Giuseppe Pardini. The first interventions were carried out in 1837 by Michele Cervelli, who removed the Baroque decoration of the presbytery and redesigned the area in a Neoclassical language. This operation was criticised by Michele Ridolfi, who supported the removal of later additions but opposed the introduction of a contemporary decorative scheme. Following growing concern about the condition of the building, Pardini prepared a detailed report in 1849, combining historical and architectural analysis with an assessment of deterioration, structural instability, proposed interventions, and estimated costs. Restoration work began in 1859, initially focusing on the façade, which showed severe stone decay, mortar erosion, rainwater infiltration, and an outward inclination that threatened its stability. The intervention included the replacement of damaged stone elements, temporary masonry supports, metal ties connecting the façade to the church, reduction of structural loads, repair of marble surfaces, and improved rainwater drainage. Pardini also experimented with artificial materials for the replacement of deteriorated decorative inlays, although the unsatisfactory results led to the use of natural stone. The study presents Pardini as a restorer fully engaged with the cultural and technical debates of his time, combining historical knowledge, structural analysis, careful site management, and material experimentation in an extensive programme aimed at preventing the collapse of the monument and restoring its perceived medieval identity.