The Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Turin has won an important accolade from the EU Commission and Europa Nostra for the restoration work carried out after the devastating fire of 11-12 April 1997. The Shroud is venerated by many Christians as the winding sheet that wrapped the body of Christ when he was laid in the tomb after the crucifixion. The shroud itself was saved thanks to the quick intervention of firemen but the Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque art designed by Guarino Guarini, was badly damaged.
Over 80% of the marble surface of the chapel had to be restored or replaced. The black marble quarry of Frabosa Soprano in Piedmont, where the marble was originally extracted, was re-opened specially for the operation. Hundreds of experts and workmen were involved in the 20 year-long restoration. The Chapel has now been re-opened to the public as part of the visit to the Royal Museums of Turin.
The European Patrimony/Europa Nostra prize was introduced in 2002 to promote conservation, research, education and public awareness of the vast cultural heritage of the EU.
The prize will be presented in Paris on the 29th October 2019 by the celebrated tenor Placido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, and EU Commissioner Tibor Navracsics.
Info: Europa Nostra Tel. 31.703024052 www.europanostra.org
