Test of Authenticity in the Evaluation of Historic Structures. Theory vs Practice

The Document on Authenticity (ICOMOS Charter on Authenticity, Nara 1994) and the results of conferences that preceded it, offer a solid theoretical basis. The Document builds on the Venice Charter and emphasizes “cultural and social values”. It does not offer worldwide uniform procedures, but presents general criteria allowing their application and verification in different conditions respecting cultural diversity of the world's regions. Almost 30 years since the adoption of the Document, authenticity is still in the centre of interest in the protection of cultural heritage. Authenticity and Integrity are emphasized when assessing the qualities of historical buildings and sites, as well as the quality of interventions. Authenticity criteria are a crucial factor in accepting historical objects/sites for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to verify the practical applicability and implementability of the “authenticity test” (characterized in the ICOMOS Document and related studies) using the existing theoretical framework as well as its adaptations. Since the research was carried out in Central Europe, the actual “test” had been set up within the framework of a culturally relevant understanding of authenticity. On its basis historic structures have been analysed and by their means also architectural units. The theoretical characteristics (Form and Design, Environment, Function, Historical structures – in materiality and used technologies, Spirit), of the test were applied to historical building structures located in the World Heritage Site of Banska Stiavnica (exceptional town rich in historical structures, technical and cultural history). In order to assess the quality of previous restoration works and the degree of intervention on historic structures – vertical and horizontal (wooden ceilings, vaults, timber structures, staircases, portals, windows and doors, etc.) had been subject of non-destructive analyses based on a method developed for this purpose. It can be used for assessing or evaluating the quality and degree of interventions on historical structures/the degree of conservation and restoration and finally for evaluating the degree of preservation of their authenticity. These research methods can be inspiring and useful for experts in practice – for assessing the needed degree of intervention in historical structures as well as for obtaining the most objective assessment of the preserved authenticity.