The fifth edition of the congress of Historic Mortars (HMC 2019) - to be held from June 19 to 21 at the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra - will bring together more than 180 scientists from around the world to share new advances in the conservation and rehabilitation of Architectural Heritage. Historical mortars are cementitious materials used in the Building of the architectural Structures of Cultural Heritage.

Chemistry During three days the experts will review the results of the characterization of mortars in different historical buildings as well as new proposals of materials for the restoration and conservation of constructions, as José Ignacio Álvarez, Full Professor of Inorganic of the University of Navarra and organizer of the congress indicates: "the study and the research in mortars allows us to advance in the knowledge of the old materials and in the realization of proposals for the restoration of the Built Heritage and to be more prepared to act before disasters like that of the Cathedral of Nôtre Dame".

The Inaugural lecture will be given by Antonia Moropoulou, professor at the National Technical University of Athens, who has been the scientific manager of the restoration team of the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. "The work of Moropoulou's team and their findings in the tomb of Christ make us reflect on the importance of the study of historical mortars for the dating and the knowledge of our origins, as well as allowing us to preserve the Architectural Heritage and transmit that bequest to future generations" adds Professor Alvarez.

During the congress the attendees will participate in guided visits to the restoration works of the Cloister of the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Church of Santa María and the Royal Castle of Olite. 

The analysis of ancient materials allows to know the state of the Building and the Degree of deterioration of the mortars, dating of constructions and archaeological sites and to propose compatible restoration materials, among other issues.