An acoustical survey about the Sanctuary of Altavilla Milicia (Palermo)

Abstract

This study aims at using science and technique, known nowadays, at service of Liturgy and of holy architecture. In addition to this, its second goal is to investigate completely, on some general acoustic aspects that can be founded inside liturgical rooms, without overlooking historical-architectural aspects regarding difference kinds of manufactures and materials in relation to specific liturgical needs. According to this, an interesting simulation of sound diffusion inside Sanctuario of Altavilla Milicia, defined by Cardinal S. De Giorgi the first and most notorious Marian place of veneration belonging to Church of Palermo, was performed. By means of this simulation, acoustic parameters of ecclesial room were taken, in compliance to standards UNI EN ISO 3382/1997 (Measurements of enclosed environments Reverberation Time with reference to other acoustic parameters).