archyxx – Nativity in Bethlehem, wanted funds for restoration

Donors Wanted for 50 columns of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In Rome, with the participation, among others, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, undersecretary for relations with states, has started a campaign to raise money to support the restoration of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Serve 2 million and 300 thousand euro, as mentioned by the Minister Ziad Albandak, Head of presidential committee for the restoration of the Basilica, built by the Italian PIACENTI spa.
The invitation to “take a column” is open to States, private and individual, to bring back to life the two of Justinian era rows of columns with 30 capitals, 32 of which are decorated with paintings instead crusades, in red , yellow and blue and with portraits of saints.

An oasis d peace in the conflict. In the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a group of over 20 Italian restorers are working with passion to get her back to its former glory. “We are a colony,” joked Silvio Sciortino 26 years, in his pocket a degree in conservation and restoration at the University of Palermo. “Here in Bethlehem, I seem to be at home,” says the young man at his first experience in a Middle Eastern country.

“Just arrived, their Tuscan colleagues told me: be careful! But I have set immediately. At the bottom is Bethlehem that Palermo are two market-towns. ” Many things in common, in fact, including the stunning beauty of the mosaics which also are special. “Every day – he says, perched on scaffolding, Alessandro Biagioni, 28, Florence – we make small discoveries that bring us closer to a bygone era, to the effect that they wanted to give to the pilgrims.” Splendor of colors, the details of the faces of the apostles in the nave scenes that reflect the New Testament.

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