Restoration

Restoration (late Latin) — the act of reconstruction of the architectural monument. The main objective of restoration is the prolongation of life of a monument. Usually it includes the elements of repair and conservation as well as the change of existing view of monument in order to discover its artistic value.

Fragmentary restoration specifies in: not trying to reach the stylistic unity; recognition of the value of more latest stratifications; restricted restoration by the elements, which form can be perfectly documented (to satisfy the positions of the Venice Charter).

Holistic restoration supposes obligatory return to a former state of a monument in full. The conservation of stratifications depends not so much on their artistic and historical values, but on their dating. The holistic restoration is indisputably used for the monuments destroyed and damaged nowadays (see rebuilding, reconstruction).