Opera magazine
2023-02-08
The restoration of the mosaics of the dome of the Baptistery of Florence has begun, and will last 6 years
Florence Baptistery Dome Mosaic Restoration Begins: What Visitors Need to Know (2023-2028)
Florence's iconic Baptistery of San Giovanni, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, is embarking on a major conservation project. The restoration of the magnificent, gold-background polychrome mosaics adorning its dome has officially begun. This extensive undertaking is scheduled to last six years, concluding in 2028. To facilitate this delicate work, an impressive and innovative scaffolding structure has been erected within the Baptistery.
Important Information for Visitors: Dome Mosaic Visibility
Please be advised that throughout the entire six-year duration of the restoration (2023-2028), the mosaics covering the interior of the dome will not be visible from the ground floor of the Baptistery. While the Baptistery itself remains open, allowing visitors to admire the wall marbles, floor, and the scarsella (apse) mosaics (whose restoration was completed in 2022), direct viewing of the famous ceiling mosaics from below is suspended until the project's completion.
The Scope of the Restoration
This marks the first major restoration of the dome mosaics in over a century, following the last intervention between 1898 and 1907. The project covers over 1,000 square meters of mosaic surface, composed of an estimated 10 million polychrome tesserae (ranging from 5 to 20 mm per side). The primary goals are:
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Structural Stability: Securing the mosaics and ensuring their adhesion to the vault.
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Degradation Control: Halting ongoing deterioration processes.
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Aesthetic Recovery: Cleaning and revealing the original splendor of the gold background and the vivid colors of the glass tesserae.
Innovative Scaffolding: A Technological Marvel
Restoring the Baptistery's vault presented unique challenges. A technologically advanced scaffolding system was designed and built to provide access to the entire mosaic surface while minimizing visual impact at ground level.
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Design: A mushroom-shaped structure rising 31.5 meters.
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Working Area: Provides a vast upper platform of 618 square meters.
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Ground Footprint: Occupies only 63 square meters on the Baptistery floor, leaving the lower areas largely unobstructed.
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Technology: Utilizes cutting-edge aluminum beams (Layher Flex) distributed through existing openings, ensuring load is spread evenly across the monument's structure.
Historical Significance and Artistic Heritage
The Baptistery dome mosaics, dominated by the imposing figure of Christ the Judge, famously inspired Dante Alighieri's depiction of the Inferno in the Divine Comedy. Work likely began around 1225, initially involving artisans from Venice, but Florentine artists soon mastered the craft. Created over several generations, these mosaics feature preparatory designs by masters such as Cimabue and Coppo di Marcovaldo. The narrative unfolds across registers depicting scenes from the Last Judgement, Genesis, the stories of Joseph, Jesus Christ, and John the Baptist.
Project Oversight and Funding
The restoration is commissioned and funded by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (the institution responsible for Florence Cathedral complex) in agreement with the Archdiocese of Florence, under the supervision of the local Soprintendenza (Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape). The scaffolding project involved Tecno System Appalti and Layher S.p.A., while the conservation work itself has been entrusted to the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica, renowned for restoring mosaic masterpieces worldwide, including those at St. Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai.
The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore has committed a total of €10 million to the Baptistery's restoration since 2014, covering the exterior, interior walls, and now the dome mosaics.
Key Facts & Figures:
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Restoration Duration: 6 years (2023 - 2028)
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Mosaic Area: Over 1,100 sq meters
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Tesserae Count: Approx. 10 million
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Scaffolding Height: 31.5 meters
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Ground Footprint: 63 sq meters
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Total Baptistery Investment (since 2014): €10 million.
The restoration of the Florence Baptistery's dome mosaics is a monumental effort to preserve an invaluable piece of world cultural heritage for future generations. While the temporary suspension of ground-level viewing is necessary, this project ensures the long-term survival and appreciation of one of Florence's most breathtaking artistic treasures.
