Completed the securing of the Basilica of Norcia. Reconstruction possibly to begin in 2021

The Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio of Umbria has announced the conclusion,"well in advance of the 120 days stipulated in the call for bids, of the work to secure the Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, which was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquakes that struck Central Italy in 2016 and 2017.

The work in the latest phase focused on the crypt area, cleared of rubble and made safe, and the remaining portions of the Basilica, apse and transept, already cleared of rubble but not yet safe.

The work was financed with Por Fesr 2014-2020 funds from the Umbria Region and directed by the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio dell’Umbria under an agreement signed between MiBACT and the Umbria Region in March 2019.

In the coming days, the construction site area will be removed pending the start of reconstruction work for which the contracting phase of the project, coordinated by the Special Superintendence for the areas affected by the 2016 Earthquake, has been completed.

“It is an excellent achievement that we have reached so far in advance,” said Superintendent Rosaria Mencarelli, "due both to the competence and organization of the company, but also to the technical skills of the officials of the Superintendency. At the conclusion of these works, we are also considering starting operations to secure and consolidate the significant remains of the large canvas by Filippo Napoletano depicting the encounter between St. Benedict and Totila, King of the Goths, which was placed on the altar of the left transept of the Basilica. Although much damaged, it is an important testimony that we must return to the Basilica and the community of Nursina."

“Finishing these operations actually paves the way for the design phase and thus the possibility of starting reconstruction work in 2021,” concluded Norcia Mayor Nicola Alemanno.

Pictured is the Norcia Basilica before the collapse.

Completed the securing of the Basilica of Norcia. Reconstruction possibly to begin in 2021

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