Study Conservation & Restoration in Italy

Summer 2025 - June 2 thru August 8

San Gemini Preservation Studies is a summer field school, now in its 26th year, that organizes lectures, research, fieldwork, workshops and field trips in the disciplines of historic preservation, restoration and conservation. It is located in Central Italy in the city of San Gemini. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2025.

These courses focus on the study of: historic buildings preservation, traditional forms of painting, conservation of archaeological ceramics, the restoration of books and paper in archival material. The various field projects include: documentation and restoration of medieval public buildings in San Gemini, the archaeological excavation in the ancient Roman city of Carsulae, as well as conservation work on the local historic archives. The SGPS program is a collaboration between scholars from various universities and local preservation groups, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to historic preservation. All academic activities are held in English.

In recent years, there have been some major developments for our SGPS program. An academic relationship has been established with West Virginia University that offers our students the opportunity to apply for and receive credits through the WVU Art History Department (the deadline for applying for credit through WVU has passed for 2024). We have also recently established cooperation agreements with the Museo delle Storie di Bergamo and the Parco del Colosseo to study and conserve artworks and archaeological objects held in their museums, as well as a collaboration with the Historic Archives of the Commune di San Gemini for SGPS participants to study and conserve archival documents.

This program and courses have been created and operated with the collaboration of various local organizations among which. The Associazione Valorizzazione Patrimonio Storico San Gemini (Onlus), The Public administration of the City of San Gemini and the Catholic Dioceses of Terni, Narni and Amelia

Application

Calendar

Flyer

sgps Programs Porta Burgi Restoration.jpg — View Our Programs

NEW PROGRAM
Book & Paper Conservation School

Testimonials

Featured

Feb 22, 2024

Bailey Godwin, Tulane University

Feb 22, 2024

“I had such a wonderful time in San Gemini. I met so many people of different backgrounds and experiences, all devoted to learning conservation. The studies we undertook were serious, led by passionate professionals who connected with us through their stories and cultural heritage. In the Historic Buildings program, we worked on stabilizing and restoring a limestone arch from the 12th century! We learned so much about material composition and technique. I was amazed that we were not only able to learn what was involved in the conservation process, but also to do it ourselves, sometimes even on the same day! It felt so fulfilling to restore an old structure that still contributes to how people live today. I made so many friends in the program, and in San Gemini, too, who I will treasure forever. This experience is a fantastic introduction to material conservation, for people of all backgrounds and interests.”

- 2023 Alumni: Restoration and Analysis of Historic Buildings

Feb 22, 2024

Jan 29, 2019

Alexandra Ayoob, West Virginia University

Jan 29, 2019

“I can’t recommend this program enough. Not only do you get hands on conservation experience in such a historically rich area, but you get to work with the incredible, interdisciplinary minds that this field attracts! The program coordinators provide the utmost insight and warmth to the point where every encounter with the team is both familial and a learning experience. My heart is full as I think back to my time there. The experience is unforgettable to say the least! I myself hope to continue learning with them one day.”

- 2018 Alumni Restoration and Analysis of Historic Buildings

Jan 29, 2019

Beth Wheeler, West Virginia University

Jan 29, 2019

“I participated in the 2018 San Gemini Preservation Studies Traditional Painting program, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience!! The teachers are very knowledgeable, and we had several guest speakers as well who were very talented and had completed what appeared to be impossible restorations. I learned so much in just four weeks! Also, the hands-on component of this program is INCREDIBLE–you don’t just learn about traditional fresco, sgraffito, egg tempera and oil techniques in the classroom, but you actually try them out. The studio has to be one of the most beautiful in the world–a former Franciscan monastery looking out over the gorgeous Umbrian countryside. San Gemini itself is a charming little town that retains its medieval character–it’s small, but there are several restaurants and bars, summer festivals, and the amazing surrounding countryside to explore. I was also able to travel on the weekends, exploring places like Narni and Assisi. Sometimes trips can be coordinated, if you plan in advance, or you’re free to travel on your own–the coordinators are always ready and willing to help! I would participate in this program again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it. It will be a summer well spent!”

- 2018 Alumni Traditional Painting: Materials, Methods and Restoration Issues

Jan 29, 2019

Gabriele Vigilante, Cuñeo Academy of Fine Arts

Jan 29, 2019

“This summer I had the chance to be part of the San Gemini Preservation Studies. The experience has allowed me to meet competent and available teachers, to enhance and safeguard the cultural heritage, both locally with trips organized in the Italian territory and internationally with theoretical lessons and practices of the Ancient Traditional Painting. The course has been useful to broaden the ethical and practical principles of the foundations that regulate the Italian conservative restoration, while working and sharing ideas with students from all over the world have made this experience fundamental to my education. For more information about the course, please contact me.”

- 2018 Alumni Traditional Painting: Materials, Methods and Restoration Issues

Jan 29, 2019

Learn more about SGPS Programs