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This work presents the results of a multi-technique comparative investigation aimed at assessing the mineralogical composition and radioactivity levels of two stone fragments from different areas of the archaeological site of Halaesa (Sicily, Italy). The analysis employed an integrated approach combining μ-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (μ-EDXRF) spectroscopy, µ-Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), ion chromatography (IC), High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, and E-PERM electret ion chamber methods. By examining the stone composition at both the elemental and molecular scales, with support from ion chromatography data, potential degradation patterns linked to post-depositional weathering and external decay agents were identified. Moreover, the specific activity of radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) and the 222Rn exhalation rates were measured, enabling the estimation of a set of radiological indices that assess potential health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to these lithic materials. The findings highlight how a multidisciplinary approach can foster the assessment of stone deterioration mechanisms, supporting the design of optimized conservation strategies aimed at preserving the archaeological heritage of Halaesa and ensuring the safety of both the public and onsite personnel.

Cultural places represent the tangible part of the identity and historical heritage of a civilization as well as an extraordinary driving force for the economic development of a country. Within its huge asset, Italy counts a wide number of archaeological sites and monuments which, despite their cultural value, are totally cut off from the most important cultural routes. This paper aims to demonstrate how specific actions of digitization can contribute to valorize (restoring a cultural value) ‘marginal’ landmarks, promoting their knowledge and inclusion. The case study described is represented by the Church of “Santa Maria delle Palate”, located inside the well-known Archaeological Park of Halaesa Arconidea (Tusa, ME). The church, built in 1551 and subject to several renovations throughout the centuries, has been investigated as part of an interdisciplinary training and skill transfer project carried out by a CNR-IPCF research team. During the activities, the group of trainees approached a multi-analytic method for the study of many Sicilian places using different techniques such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, thermography and spectroscopy and collecting a large amount of information and data. In 2019, the building in question was the object of a complete architectural survey in order to obtain an accurate digital replica; moreover, the wall painting representing St. Francis, preserved in the southern nave, was investigated through non-invasive investigations (IR-imaging, XRF and Raman spectrometry) with the intention of collecting information about its state of preservation and nature of pigments used and help the restoration work, which would have been carried out in the following months. The result of the work is a combined “digital archive” useful not only for the purposes of conservation, monitoring and dissemination, but as a container of information enjoyable at different levels of depth. In addition to the scientific outcomes achieved for the study of the painting, relevant from the historical and artistic point of view, we must underline the importance of the work for the implementation of a web-based platform where expert and inexpert users can virtually access the church virtual tour and search for specialized contents (e.g., measures, analyzes results). Media such as this are finally demonstrated to be able to promote the inclusion (e.g., for people unable to reach the place or with reducing mobility) and accessibility to cultural places during ordinary (maintenance, closure) or extraordinary events (pandemic).