Rome, Italy, Jun 13, 2009 / 16:41 pm
The director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio Paolucci, has announced that the Bernini Colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square will undergo a four-year long restoration, as well as “all the saints and figures that crown the two arms of the colonnade.”
The restoration plan of the 248 columns was presented on June 11 at the Milan Fair. The colonnade was created by sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1657 and was approved by Pope Alexander VII. According to Paolucci, the restoration will focus on the roof and the gutters. Areas affected by sulphuric buildup will be cleaned too.
Bernini’s idea was to “shape the entire city of Rome with his hands as if it were an immense sculpture,” Paolucci said, and he wanted to “convert urban space into theatrical space, in order to make it something of another world, that would cause amazement and wonder.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA