Archeological acoustics of the venue of the "Misteri d Elx", Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO): "basilica de Santa María de Elche"

The Basilica of Santa Maria is the scene where the "Misteri d Elx", proclaimed as Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is performed. This chanted drama has been represented without interruption since the 15th century so it has been adapted to the changes made to the building. This paper includes an acoustic investigation of the present Basilica, as well as its previous stages since the theatrical performance started. Models of the Basilica have been simulated and calibrated based on the in situ measurement of its materials absorption. These models will allow the virtual reconstruction of the Mystery play in its different historical stages. This research is the first step towards the knowledge of the Basilica s architectural evolution as well as to value the importance of the acoustic parameters in the Mystery play over time using auralization technologies.