A high point in restoration

The Cathedral’s main spire was built between 1765 and 1770. A 20-metre high central cylinder is enclosed in an octagon with eight tall corner spires, enclosing a spiral staircase that leads to a small balcony. Above this, a slender pyramid another ten metres high supports the Madonnina, the gilded copper statue of Mary. The spire includes eight flying buttresses, eight statues of angels, sixteen statutes of Sybils and Prophets, and much more decoration.
The last important restoration of the main spire dates back to 1962. From then up until today, the marble has deteriorated considerably, and so in 2009, a new restoration project for the spire was launched.
The scaffolding, which starts at 65 metres above the ground, had to be designed carefully to keep it light and relatively aerodynamic, so as not to add yet more stress to the structure during high winds. Warehousing and service areas were set up on the Cathedral roof, along with a hoist and a lift for personnel.
The spire was then mapped for deterioration. The degree of overall damage was such that the Veneranda Fabbrica, the institution responsible for the maintenance of the building, planned work that will run for several years. It includes the cleaning of all surfaces; the consolidation and repair of parts that are not irreparably damaged; and the removal and replacement of elements that are excessively worn or cracked. Electrical data transmission systems will be installed for continuous structural monitoring.
The 2015 Expo will offer a good occasion on which to celebrate the completion of work on the spire.

Barbara Reverberi