Researches regarding the Sources and Impact of the Atmospheric Pollution and Biodegradation on the Trei Ierarhi Monastery of Iasi

In the paper, we present the results of the researches regarding the influence of atmospheric pollution and biodegradation on the stone of Trei Ierarhi (Three Hierarchs) Monastery of Iasi. The correlation of microclimatic factors (precipitations, humidity, temperature, frequency and wind speed) with the physicalchemical measurements of environment pollution (powders, gases) has a special importance in the evaluation of the impact against the monuments degradation. The phenomenon degradation of the site analyzed is emphasized by its position within the city where the degree of pollution and the nature of pollutants are high. The church is exposed in the exterior to the physical-chemical attack of the atmospheric exhaust gas correlated with the microclimatic factors. The effects of this physical-chemical attack but also of the biological attack are seen on the exterior walls, on the stone lacery (Albesti calcite) of the monument. In addition, we present the sources and diversity of the biodegradation (lichens, fungi) of the exterior stone of the historic site, and the attenuation means. INTRODUCTION In 1634, after a long succession of unfortunate reigns and dramatic events for this tried region of Romania, on the throne of Moldavia reached the great vornic Vasile Lupu. a wise enlightened boyar, a lover of beauty and most of all a lover of the faith. The years of his reign (1634-1553) were to represent the first great epoch of culture in Moldavia. In the spirit of the tradition of the great Voivodes of the Musat family of yore. Vasile Lupu inaugurated his reign by building a church, which the ambitious Moldavian voivode desired to be an unparalleled one: the church of the Three Saint Hierarchy of Iasi. Conceived as a traditional monastic ensemble, the monastery of the Three Saint Hierarchs has remained up to this day one of the most renowned complexes of feudal Romanian art, an architectural masterpiece that has become a legend which has not ceased to astonish the visitors from all over the world. Between 1882-1887. the complex was completely restored, under the supervision of Lecomte de Noüy. The restoration works have brought major modifications to the church and to the adjacent buildings, modifications which have not affected though the initial architectural conception nor the stone ornamentations of the facades. From this same period of the last restoration dates the painting of the house of worship, as well as its entire internal decoration. The pieces of furniture were designed by the French architect and made in Vienna, the payment being undertaken by King Carol I and Queen Elisabeta, the new founders of the church. In the pronaos there are the tombs of Vasile Lupu's family and those of the Princes Dimitrie Cantemir and Alexandru Ioan Cuza. 1 9th International Conference on NDT of Art, Jerusalem Israel, 25-30 May 2008 For more papers of this publication click: www.ndt.net/search/docs.php3?MainSource=65