A Holistic Documentation and Restoration Framework for Heritage Structures: The Case of the Metropolitan Church of Saint Minas, Heraklion, Crete

Abstract. The Metropolitan Church of Saint Minas in Heraklion, Crete, stands as one of the largest Orthodox churches in Greece and a landmark of significant cultural and historical value. Constructed during the second half of the 19th century, the monument has endured decades of seismic activity and environmental degradation. Following the damaging effects of the 2021 Arkalochori earthquake, a comprehensive documentation and structural assessment project was undertaken to guide future conservation interventions. This paper presents the integrated approach adopted for this initiative, combining digital heritage documentation techniques— such as laser scanning and photogrammetry—with detailed structural diagnostics and conservation planning. The project not only sought to create a complete record of the monument’s current state but also to establish a methodological framework for seismic risk manage-ment in historic masonry churches. Emphasis is placed on the monument’s architectural features, construction history, identified pathologies, and the proposed interventions, which aim to preserve both the tangible and intangible values embedded in this heritage landmark.