Survey and Investigation on a Coenobium Recently Discovered in Maratea (Italy) with an Innovative Device for Crack Detection

In the Christian period, Maratea (Southern Italy) became a center for Italo-Greek monasticism, encouraging Christians to live as hermits in caves or monastic settlements. The fourth Author recently discovered there seven cenobitic complexes and chapels probably dating to the IX-XI century AD. This paper presents preliminary investigations on one of these newly discovered sites with a focus on its architectural and structural features. The study details the spatial layout and materials of the site, alongside an analysis of existing crack patterns. Additionally, it presents the experimental use of a sensor prototype capable of automatically identifying and performing non-contact measurements of crack widths. This device, developed under the scientific support and supervision of Niccolò Cusano University and CNR-ISPC, has been used for the first time out of laboratory to test the device effectiveness in field conditions, identifying any challenges related to its use in an outdoor environment. The initial results indicate a promising application for this tool, used to investigate an area of unique historical value capable of widening the knowledge of the Italo-Greek monasticism developed in Southern Italy.