EARLY BYZANTINE CHURCH 4
First of all, mortar lines were cleaned of deteriorated mortar and earth and refilled (Fig. 1).
The fallen parts of the northern and southern body walls were rebuilt using original stones uncovered (Fig. 2). The damaged arch of the niche in the south part of the apse wall (Fig. 3) was also rebuilt (Fig. 4).
The semi-domical covering of creek stones, marble and travertine over the apse was partially preserved; so, the gaps underneath were filled with original materials and mud mortar in order to improve the durability of the extant parts (Fig. 5).
These areas were cleaned in general; the dirt accumulated in the lacunae between the plaster strata and between the plaster and the walls were removed and the contours were strengthened by applying injection mortar (Fig. 6). Then an aesthetic border was implemented following the contours of all the plastered areas (Fig. 7). Deteriorated spots on the extant plaster were then conserved: holes of 2mm were opened, water was injected to clean the dust and dirt, the chemical 5% primal AC-33 was applied to improve the holding of the interior of the plaster. Finally, malta-6001 mortar was injected in the gaps between the walls and the plaster.
The chalk and salt that had formed on the frescoes were experimentally cleaned in a small area using AB-57.