Rome, Lazio, Italy – The historic San Bartolomeo all’Isola church, nestled on Tiber Island in the heart of Rome, has been meticulously restored, thanks to a substantial 1 million euro allocation from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This comprehensive intervention has brought new life to the ancient edifice, ensuring its structural integrity and enhancing its historical and artistic value for future generations.
Christ Pantocrator Mosaic Shines Anew
A central feature of the restoration is the twelfth-century mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, located on the wall behind the organ. This intricate artwork, originally part of the church’s façade, is now visible from the outside piazza, even during the darkest hours. This enhanced visibility was achieved through the replacement of existing windows with new ones and the installation of a sophisticated lighting system. “The mosaic will be visible from the outside, in the square, thanks to the replacement of the windows and a lighting system that will highlight the image at night, even when the room is dark,” stated Ilaria Delsere, the architect from the Superintendence responsible for the project.
Invisible Work Secures the Coffer Ceiling
Beyond the visible enhancements, a significant portion of the restoration focused on the structural consolidation of the wooden coffer ceiling above the nave and transept. This crucial, yet unseen, work addressed safety concerns that had emerged over time. “Attics are the great forgotten areas of conservation,” noted Delsere. “We detected the completely wooden anchoring system of the ancient coffer, after the purlins were replaced in the 1960s, leaving only the chains of the old trusses to which the suspensions are anchored.” The team meticulously treated and maintained sound elements while replacing damaged or collapsed ones with historically accurate replicas.
During the restoration, which concluded in mid-March, the condition of the wooden chain heads embedded in the masonry was also thoroughly checked to ensure they had not been compromised by xylophagous agents, fungi, or insects. This monitoring was carried out using a resistograph, a specialized instrument that tests the material’s resistance. “Where necessary,” Delsere explained, “we inserted brackets to support the damaged chains.”
A Blend of Pagan and Christian Histories
San Bartolomeo all’Isola holds a unique historical significance due to its location, where pagan and Christian traditions intertwine. The church’s well, once attributed with thaumaturgic powers, now serves as a baptismal font on the presbytery steps, symbolizing this rich blend of histories. The building itself bears witness to various historical layers, including a significant twelfth-century intervention under Pope Paschal II, which introduced its three-nave layout. The devastating Tiber flood of 1557 severely damaged the façade, leaving only the oval with the Christ Pantocrator, which was later integrated into the current structure designed by Orazio Torrioni in the seventeenth century. Traces of the church’s tilt towards the right side, corresponding to the river’s erosion bank, were also observed during the work on the attic.
Accessibility for All and a Memorial to Modern Martyrs
Since 2000, San Bartolomeo all’Isola, managed by the Community of Sant’Egidio, has housed the sanctuary of twentieth-century martyrs and a dedicated museum. Another restoration, though not funded by PNRR, eliminated architectural barriers, making the church accessible to all. This included the construction of a cocciopesto ramp and the restoration of the seventeenth-century paving that once reached the river. “San Bartolomeo is a church of great charm because it encapsulates the events of Tiber Island from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age,” explained Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome. “Indeed, since 2002, it has also been the memorial to the new martyrs of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Superintendence has restored a precious medieval mosaic and the wooden coffer, also securing the roof, thanks to PNRR funds, which once again prove to be an important tool for the protection and conservation of Cultural Heritage.”
The successful restoration of San Bartolomeo all’Isola stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve Rome’s invaluable cultural heritage, making it accessible and enjoyable for both residents and visitors.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_27/roma-san-bartolomeo-all-isola-tiberina-torna-a-splendere-la-chiesa-rinasce-grazie-al-restauro-con-i-fondi-del-pnrr-893d5aca-ecef-4719-8e5a-6b14a4f34xlk.shtml
