Restoration of Pietro da Cortona's Frescoes in Rome's Chiesa Nuova
After 130 years, the dome frescoes created by Pietro da Cortona at Santa Maria in Vallicella (Chiesa Nuova) in Rome have undergone restoration, with the previous work completed in 1893. This project, financed by the Fondo Edifici di Culto and overseen by Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, led by Daniela Porro, incorporated hydrological sensors. Cortona's artwork, completed between 1647 and 1666, depicts the Miracle of the Madonna and features the Assunta and Saints in the apse. Beginning January 7, these sections along with Rubens' altarpiece will be monitored. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted the distinctiveness of Italian churches. The dome will also receive enhanced scenic lighting and video displays. Santa Maria in Vallicella, a Baroque structure, was reconstructed from 1575 to 1614.
Key facts
- Restoration of Pietro da Cortona's dome frescoes at Santa Maria in Vallicella (Chiesa Nuova) in Rome after 130 years.
- Last restoration was in 1893 after a fragment detached during a religious service.
- Funded by Fondo Edifici di Culto, executed by Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma directed by Daniela Porro.
- Work secured both interior and exterior of the dome and installed hydrological sensors.
- Pietro da Cortona also frescoed the vault (Miracle of the Madonna) and apse (Assunta and Saints) between 1647 and 1666.
- From January 7, vault and apse will undergo checks and monitoring, along with Rubens' altarpiece (1606–1608).
- Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised Italian churches as unique cultural landmarks.
- Dome frescoes will be enhanced with scenic lighting and explanatory videos.
Entities
Artists
- Pietro da Cortona
- Peter Paul Rubens
- Filippo Neri
Institutions
- Santa Maria in Vallicella
- Chiesa Nuova
- Fondo Edifici di Culto
- Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy