INTEGRATED SURVEYS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE. THE CAVE OF ST. MICHAEL OF TANCIA (ITALY)

The cave sanctuary of St. Michael of Tancia is a natural cave located at a strategic point along a major road between the Lombard dukedom of Spoleto and Rome. The sanctuary has been the subject of multidisciplinary research within the framework of the Italian FIRB Project (2012–17). This research included a 3D survey to create a comprehensive 3D representation of the cave and its surroundings. This methodology enabled the delineation of surfaces, including frescoed plaster and incised elements associated with the Archangel cult, contrasting with pre-existing pagan devotion. Range-based techniques were employed alongside a TOF laser scanner (Leica), integrated with image-based and digital photogrammetry, to capture the sanctuary's most significant components, generating an integrated point cloud. This point cloud facilitated the extraction of precise geometric information, which was imperative for the three-dimensional modelling of the examined environment. The tri-dimensional polygonal models obtained from the 3D survey offer a clear view of, and insight into, the inner sanctuary. They also facilitate a more profound understanding of the dual pathways within the cave, which are associated with the original dichotomy between Christian and pagan devotion. Furthermore, they provide the academic community with updated multidimensional information. A virtual tour of the cave sanctuary has been created using these models. The aim of this project was to improve the promotion and accessibility of this heritage site.