The Use of Dolostone in Historical Buildings of Coimbra (Central Portugal)

Abstract

In this paper, the importance of the dolostone (a carbonate sedimentary rock where the dominant carbonate mineral is dolomite) in monuments and urban buildings of the city of Coimbra, Portugal, is highlighted. Old quarries are not visible in the nucleus of the city, due to the sequential occupation by houses, and can only be identified by documentation (draws, contract letters and purchase orders). However, on the southern side of Mondego River (Santa Clara) some outcrops can be observed and were exploited until the mid-20th. It is presented a list of the old quarries and monuments made with this rock. The characterization of dolostones from the Coimbra Formation is also presented. It is made the connection between the local geology and the “identity” of Coimbra, putting in evidence the stone as a symbol that characterize the gilded aspect of the buildings. For restoration and rehabilitation works, a small number of blocks could be extracted from the Carvalhais quarry if were eventually necessary.