Manutenzione e restauro archeologico degli intonaci dipinti e stucchi provenienti dagli scavi nell’area archeologica del decumano presso il Parco Archeologico di Altino

This paper presents the conservation and restoration of Roman painted wall plaster and decorated stucco fragments (1st–2nd century AD) unearthed during archaeological excavations in the Decumanus area of the Archaeological Park of Altino. The project, carried out by the Istituto Veneto per i Beni Culturali in 2025, combined scientific investigation, diagnostic analysis and practical conservation activities within an advanced training programme for restoration professionals. The study involved the examination of the materials, their state of preservation and the identification of pigments, binders and deterioration processes. A range of minimally invasive techniques was applied to clean, consolidate and restore the fragments, ensuring compatibility with their original materials and long-term stability. Particular attention was also devoted to the documentation, cataloguing, identification of possible connections between fragments and digital reconstruction, as well as the development of appropriate storage systems using Ethafoam supports. The project demonstrates how archaeological conservation can integrate research, professional training and material preservation, contributing to the recovery of historical information and the long-term safeguarding of archaeological heritage.