Italy: Fresco of Saint George in Venzone Cathedral, Friuli

In May 1976, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake tremor hit Friuli, which had many aftershocks: especially severe were those of September 1976. More than 70 villages were affected, causing many deaths and injuries, and many lost their homes. Extensive emergency measures and international aid were made available. This event also prompted the creation of the Protezione Civile (the Italian Civil Defense body that deals with nationwide prevention and management of emergencies and disasters).

ICCROM was part of the international emergency response following the quake. We went on several missions to Friuli in 1976 and the following years to assess the conditions of the damaged buildings through photogrammetric surveys and mural painting assessments. Documentation of these missions is kept in ICCROM Archives.

Learn more here.