Rome, collapse in San Giuseppe dei Falegnami. The 17th-century coffered ceiling is destroyed, no damage to the Mamertine Prison

The coffered ceiling of the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, dating back to the early 17th century, was destroyed when the church roof collapsed a few hours ago. It was a work by architect and sculptor Giovanni Battista Montano (Milan, 1534 - Rome, 1621), made around 1611. Other damage was reported by the Chapel of the Crucifix, while the Mamertine Prison seems to have been unaffected. Also unharmed was the important canvas by Carlo Maratta (Camerano, 1625 - Rome, 1713), theAdoration of the Shepherds also known as the Nativity, painted in 1650. This is according to the first official statements by the superintendent of Rome, Francesco Prosperetti.

Carlo Maratta, Adoration of the Shepherds (1650; canvas; Rome, San Giuseppe dei Falegnami. Photo Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo e la Documentazione)

“It was a sudden structural failure: the truss didn’t hold and knocked down the whole roof,” Prosperetti told ANSA, who added that a temporary roof will now be needed. “Usually it is done with innocent pipes to avoid water infiltration. Obviously the Vicariate, which is competent, should take care of it but we are all here working in synergy and if there is a need for help we are available.” As for Maratta’s painting, the Vicariate of Rome has let it be known that it is available to house it in St. John Lateran.

At the time of the collapse the church was closed, as it had already shown some problems. It was usually opened only for weddings, which following the collapse will be held in the nearby basilica of San Marco.

Pictured: the coffered ceiling of the church of San Giuseppe ai Falegnami before and after the collapse.

Rome, collapse in San Giuseppe dei Falegnami. The 17th-century coffered ceiling is destroyed, no damage to the Mamertine Prison

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