MAGDALINI THEODORIDOU

Department of Petrology and Geochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, Hungary

(e-mail: magdatheodoridou@gmail.com)

The Székesfehérvár Ruin Garden is a unique assemblage of cultural heritage in Hungary. Not only in terms of its size and its six main different phases of construction but also for its use and service in the centuries. It comprises a cathedral, royal tombstones and related ecclesial and lay buildings. The “Royal Basilica” as it is called today, testifies the great significance of the monument. It served not only as the royal chapel of the Hungary’s Christian kingdom but also as the burial and coronation church of the kings. The proposed research topic will be based on the identification, characterization and weathering of building stone used in the different phases of the construction. Therefore, a first sampling has been already executed and the general petrographical characteristics have been achieved. The results are presented by mapping, as well. In the future, further petrographical, chemical, microchemical investigations, as well as physical and mechanical measurements and tests, will complete the research. A mapping of decay will be implemented. The main characteristics will be discussed and correlated to the decay forms, with the aim of achieving a general strategic approach based on a diagnosis that could represent a tool for the conservation of the monument.