This paperexplores the application of the RASCAN holographic radar for non-destructive subsurface imaging of works of art and architecture. This radar provides high-resolution plan-view images of the shallow subsurface in dielectric materials.The radar is particularly sensitive to small metallic targets, but also to variations in moisture content. Originally developed for detection of hidden bugging devices, sounding of building construction details, and detection of landmines, here the utility of the RASCAN radar for art and architectural preservation studies is demonstrated by several bench-top experiments on stone andwooditemswith different subsurface defects and features, aswellas actual field tests on a decorative marble medallion in the floor of theTemple of San Biagio in Montepulciano, Italy, and Frescoes in the Church of San Rocco in Cornaredo, Italy. Historical research indicates that the medallion in San Biagio was laid circa1590 during the funeral ceremony of a Prelatio of the family Casata Cervini.The actualburialplace ofthe Prelatioisnot recorded, but a radar scan ofthe medallion, and follow-up scansofa bench-top modelsuggest the possibilityofa cavity that could containremains orrelics.In San Rocco, smalldelaminationswere detected behind the frescos

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