Interior Restoration

Restoration work on the interior décor is planned to follow the exterior restoration work and is expected to take between two and five years. The elements to be restored, in order of priority, will be:

1. The painted décor, including the side walls of the nave and rood screens, and the vaulted ceilings, including the gold leaf
2. The baptismal font
3. The stained glass windows

Phase 1: Complete Restoration of the First Mezzanine

Estimated duration: 9 to 13 months
Surface area: Approximately 16,967 square feet

The restoration of first mezzanine is a top priority due to the critical condition of the painted decorations, which are rapidly deteriorating. Immediate action is essential to prevent irreversible loss and stabilize the most fragile elements of this section.

The work will include:

• Consolidation: Fixing the plaster coatings and reinforcing their adhesion to the wooden support.
• Repairing cracks: Filling gaps and cracks with materials compatible with the original structures.
• Cleaning: Removing accumulated layers of dirt and oxidized varnish to restore the appearance of the paintings.
• Restoration of paintings: Retouching damaged areas with reversible pigments and ensuring the visual consistency of the decorations.
• Protection: Applying a final varnish to protect the works from future damage.
• Documentation: Accurately recording each step and the results obtained to create a comprehensive documentary record.

Main objective:

Ensuring rapid recommissioning of this space once the work is complete, while preserving its heritage integrity. Preparations can begin immediately after the contract is signed in order to meet the estimated deadlines.

Phase 2: Restoration of the Second Mezzanine

The restoration of the second mezzanine, covering an area of approximately 15,112.5 square feet, will take an estimated 9 to 10 months. The work will include:

• Initial documentation: Taking detailed measurements and photographs to analyze the condition of the plaster and paintwork.
• Consolidation of the plaster: Stabilization of the plaster and fixing it to the wooden support with compatible resins and fixatives.
• Filling cracks and gaps: Application of suitable materials to restore the continuity of the surfaces.
• Cleaning of the paint layers: Removal of contaminants and oxidized varnishes using mild solvents, starting with test areas.
• Painting retouching: Application of reversible pigments to restore the aesthetics of damaged paintings.
• Application of a protective varnish: Uniform varnishing to preserve the restored works.
• Final documentation: Drafting of a detailed report of the interventions, including before and after restoration photos.

Phase 3: Painted Decor of Walls & Side Aisle Chapels

This phase will cover an area of approximately 8,791 square feet and will take 9 to 12 months to complete. The main steps will be:

• Initial documentation: Photographic surveys and detailed analysis of the painted decorations.
• Consolidation of coatings: Stabilization of fragile coatings, prioritizing the most damaged areas.
• Filling cracks: Repair of gaps, ensuring that texture and color are harmonized.
• Cleaning of surfaces: Removal of dust, contaminants, and oxidized varnish to restore clarity to the paintings.
• Pictorial retouching: Use of reversible pigments to restore painted motifs and ornaments.
• Application of a protective varnish: Final application of a suitable varnish to protect the restored paintings.
• Final documentation: Comprehensive report describing the work carried out, the challenges encountered, and the results achieved.

Phase 4: Restoration of the Ceiling & IVaults

To avoid prolonged closure of the basilica, this phase, covering an area of approximately 17,430.2 square feet, will be carried out over a reduced period of three months by tripling the number of restoration teams. The work will be planned during a period of low traffic, determined based on tourist data and religious activities. The steps will include:

• Initial documentation: Mapping and in-depth analysis of ceilings and vaults.
• Consolidation of plasterwork: Stabilization of plasterwork with safety nets to prevent any risk of falling.
• Filling cracks: Use of compatible materials to restore damaged surfaces.
• Cleaning of paint layers: Removal of contaminants and oxidized varnishes, carried out with care to preserve artistic details.
• Paint retouching: Meticulous restoration of damaged paintwork, ensuring that the original patterns are respected.
• Application of a protective varnish: Uniformization and protection of restored paintings using compatible products.
• Final documentation: Compilation of a complete report, including before and after photographs.