Integration and Memory in Restoration. The façade of the
Natatio of the Diocletian Baths and the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica
The paper describes the challenges raised by the restoration of the façade of the
Natatio
of the Diocletian
Baths (298-306 AD) and of the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica (first twenty years of the 4th
century AD). They were in a serious state of disrepair because of architectural alterations, despoilments
and dangerous cracks. Though different in structures and decorations, we analyzed them with the same
methodology by historical and iconographic researches and chemical, georadar and endoscopy tests. As regards the
Natatio
(2009-13), after a careful consolidation, we aimed to represent the suggestion of its
huge front by reconstructing the lost architectural elements and decorations. As regards the Temple (2012-16), it needed to be strongly reinforced for the structural cracks and the near collapse of the dome; we
integrated its drum to assure stability. Every choice was taken according to the principles of restoration in
order to respect the features and the memory of both monuments.