At the presentation of the renovated "Regina Patriarcharum" dome, the Chapter revealed what the next projects at the Basilica of El Pilar could be as part of this roadmap. "The plan is to continue with the restoration work. The next domes will most likely be Regina Sanctorum Omnium (located opposite the Chapel of Our Lady of the Pillar) and Regina Virgium (located at the lower entrance leading to Paseo Echegaray)," said Isaac González, the Chapter’s technical manager.
It should be noted that the restoration of the two towers located in the square has already been completed, and the work will continue in the coming months. "The next project will be the restoration of Santa Leonor Tower, the lower tower on the riverside, closest to the town hall," the Chapter said. In addition, two other major interventions will be carried out.
THE CENTRAL DOME AND THE HOLY CHAPEL
The project includes work on the large central dome, built in the 19th century. Although it does not require urgent intervention, it is one of the plan’s objectives. However, an even larger project is still to come. "The most significant material intervention in this comprehensive restoration of the Basilica of El Pilar will concern the Holy Chapel. It is the temple’s most important point, where the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar is preserved," they explained.
The Pilar 2040 project is moving forward with the aim of having the Basilica in pristine condition within 14 years. The renovation of the temple reached one of its most significant milestones less than two weeks ago with the new lighting installed in the Holy Chapel and the high altar. Together, the two projects include 126 LED lights and reduce the installed capacity from 14.90 kW to 4.606 kW, while also giving the space a unique brilliance.
"A PILAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE"
The Chapter’s ultimate goal is for all these projects to ensure that by 2040 the Basilica of El Pilar will be completely renovated and restored to its full splendor. "Our idea is to reach 2040 with an El Pilar like never before, as if it were being inaugurated that very day," they said, with their sights set on the 2,000th anniversary of the Virgin’s arrival.
