After seven long months of work and scaffolding that detracted from the temple's entrance, the Basilica of the Pilar has regained the majesty of one of its most representative domes. Following an arduous restoration process, the original luminosity of the "Regina Patriarcharum" dome, the depth of its colors and the extraordinary technical quality that fresco painter Ramón Bayeu gave the work in 1782 can once again be appreciated as of this Monday.
"We are looking at one of the most significant pieces in the Basilica of the Pilar. It is a work of a quality and ambition comparable to the great decorations of royal palaces, forming part of one of the most important cycles of Spanish mural painting of its time," said Zaragoza Archbishop Carlos Escribano. The work has restored its original color, consolidated the structure and provided the dome with new artistic lighting that allows it to be viewed more clearly.
The technicians from the Zaragoza Cathedral Chapter responsible for the restoration were astonished by an extraordinary detail during the work. "The biggest surprise was the discovery of the original polychromy inside the lantern. It had remained hidden for decades beneath successive layers of repainting and could not be seen from the floor," said Isaac González, the technician responsible for the intervention.
THE RESTORATION PROCESS
Last January, the Metropolitan Chapter of Zaragoza and Fundación Ibercaja signed an agreement for the organization to promote and fully finance the work on the "Regina Patriarcharum" dome. The intervention carried out by Kalam and Tarma Restauración included the restoration of the dome and its pendentives, repairs to the lantern and the spire, as well as the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring its proper conservation.
The renovation of the "Regina Patriarcharum" dome forms part of the Pilar 2040 project, promoted by the Metropolitan Chapter of Zaragoza. This road map includes various initiatives focused on conserving the Basilica of the Pilar's main cultural and architectural assets on the occasion of the Bilmilenario of the Virgin's arrival in Zaragoza.
