Have you heard of the “Monuments Men”? They saved works of art during World War II—their story became widely known through a film directed by George Clooney (2014). Researchers who study historic buildings are, in a sense, the “Monuments Men” of the 21st century. They analyze construction sites as well as structure and furnishings to understand the history of buildings, protect them, and preserve them for future generations.

Would you like to learn more about the architectural heritage of medieval cities? Join us on a journey through time and discover the sites of churches and gallows in France and Italy. How do you analyze a medieval monument? What sources and tools are used? Learn to read a late medieval register, identify archaeological tools, and understand plans. See medieval buildings with new eyes!

Claire Bourguignon
PhD in Medieval Archaeology and Art History – Université Clermont Auvergne
Postdoctoral researcher, ETH Zurich, Department Architecture, Chair of Building Archaeology and Construction History
Associate member Centre d’Histoire ‘Espaces et Cultures’ (CHEC-UPR 1001), Université Clermont Auvergne

Rudi Beaulant
PhD in Medieval History, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Associate member, Laboratoire de Médiévistique Orientale de Paris (UMR 8589)