The Restoration of the Ancient Basilica of the Nativity Is Almost Complete

The ravages of time do not spare holy places: damaged by a fire in the 6th century and worn out by time, the stones of the Basilica of the Nativity had deteriorated over the course of time. In 2009, the Palestinian authorities made an important decision: they decided to find the necessary funds for a complete renovation of the church, despite the cost of the work that was estimated at over 18 million euros.

For over two years, the Italian group Piacenti, specialized in the restoration of ancient works, consecrated all its efforts to the first phase of the renovation: repairing the roof and windows.

Today, Ibrahim Abedrabbo, the engineer supervising the project, could not contain his joy in the columns of La Croix: “The greatest part of the work has already been completed. Now, we are working on the details.” 

In a few months, pilgrims will be able to discover treasures that have been hidden for centuries, such as the seven angels of a fresco painted by Basilius, a 12th century Syrian artist.