Microclimatic challenges in the conservation of wooden sacral monuments of cultural heritage: a case study of a wooden church in răstolțu deșert (Romania)

Anotace: The study aims to investigate the impact of the internal microclimate factors of wooden sacral buildings on the quality of their visitors' experience, using the example of protected cultural heritage objects of local significance, with higher conservation requirements. The topic of the study is a relevant contribution to the ongoing debate on the sustainable conservation of tangible cultural heritage, especially in the context of polycrisis, particularly climate challenges and the increasing demands of their visitors for an authentic tourist experience. Using the example of a protected wooden religious building from Romania, it highlights the close link between the physical protection of monuments, the health of visitors and the quality of their experience. The research was conducted over a period of one year (February 2024 - February 2025) through continuous measurement of indoor environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, formaldehyde, lighting and noise) in the cultural monument under study. A second set of primary data, obtained from a parallel survey conducted on a sample of 90 cultural heritage monument visitors, was also examined. The survey focused on the respondents' perception of indoor air quality and its impacts on their health. Generalized regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the indoor environment of the monument and the symptoms described by respondents. The study revealed significant deviations from international standards of protection. Indoor temperatures varied from -6.4 °C to 29 °C, with an average relative humidity of 70.83 %, which favoured the growth of micro-organisms. CO₂ and dust particle levels were highest during religious ceremonies and correlated with discomfort (dry throat, sneezing, stuffy nose). Statistical analysis confirmed that individual characteristics such as medication use and exposure to pollution influenced these symptoms. Visitors most frequently identified dry and stale air as negative factors but they appreciated the authentic atmosphere of the temple. The study provides a unique data-driven perspective on the complex relationship between conservation conditions and the authenticity of the visitor experience at vulnerable cultural sites. It highlights the importance of microclimatic monitoring in preventive conservation and promotes the use of adaptive technologies to preserve heritage while ensuring the health and comfort of visitors. The results can support practitioners in finding a balance between physical protection and meaningful public access to heritage sites