Conservation and Restoration of Maya Architectural Heritage

Abstract

The debate about the conservation of Maya architecture began from the first investigations and excavations
in the Maya area. Having been buried for hundreds of years, this architecture was at serious risk after its
excavation. The remarkable monumental buildings built by the ancient Maya over a thousand years ago are a
cultural heritage that must be researched and preserved for its archaeological, architectural, cultural and social
values. The uniqueness of Maya monumental architecture, recognized as a world heritage, together with its
historical process of abandonment and subsequent recovery through archaeological research, lead us to think
about the methods and criteria that should be used to ensure that, once excavated, this architecture can be
preserved with all its values for current and future societies as one of the most notorious legacies of this ancient
civilization. The experience of more than thirty years of excavations and restorations in the Maya area allows to
obtain a critical view of the methods and results. Through the analysis of some specific cases, and taking into
account the new instruments of research, documentation and analysis of Maya architecture, it is discussed
which should be the most appropriate criteria of conservation.