Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys applied to the research of crypts in San Sebastiano's church in Catania (Sicily)

The aim of the present paper is the identification of natural or anthropic buried cavities under the church of St. Sebastiano in Catania (Sicily). To this purpose Ground Penetrating Radar (G.P.R.) surveys were performed on the pavement of the church and three in situ drillings were carried out outside the church. Through the G.P.R. investigation, the existence of hidden structures was revealed; the results obtained by in situ drillings allowed a detailed characterization of the most superficial layers of the ground. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.