(ANSA) - Bethlehem, July 5 - Italian restoration workers
have uncovered a seventh mosaic angel in the Church of the
Nativity in Bethlehem which was previously hidden under plaster.
The angel, revealed by restorers Piacenti S.p.A, adds to a
set of stunning mosaics at the site, which is traditionally
considered the birthplace of Jesus.
"Of the 2,000 metres of original mosaics, it was possible
to save 150 metres squared," said Giammarco Piacenti, owner of
the company which has been employing Italian restoration
excellence in one of the most important sites of Christianity.
Inside, the basilica is still a work site, but a climb up
the scaffolding reveals the mosaics in all their bright colours
and beauty. Reflecting the light of the sun, visitors can admire
turquoise, red, green and shimmering gold.
Angels, saints, St. Thomas who points to Jesus' wound with
his finger, Jesus on a donkey coming into Jerusalem, classical
Christian scenes that have been given new life in the first
phase of restoration which brought back the basilica's original
splendour.
"It's the project of my life," said Piacenti, as he
explained that more than 1.5 million mosaic pieces were used for
the restoration, in stone, glass and mother of pearl.
The seventh angel was discovered using a thermography
technique that scans solid surfaces in the search for works
hidden underneath them.
Piacenti's attention is now focused on 50 columns in the
central nave of the basilica, which are hiding paintings from
the 12th century depicting saints from many Christian countries.
"Adopt a column" is the title motto of the campaign to
support the restoration launched by Ziad Bandak, Palestinian
Minister for Religious Affairs and head of the restoration
committee for the basilica.
"Whoever wants to donate money and become part of this
beautiful adventure is free to do so," he said.
The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in
Bethlehem, West Bank.
The church was originally commissioned in 327 by
Constantine the Great and his mother Helena over the site that
is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave
that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
Experts said last month that fresh traces of Constantine's
time have been found in the basilica.
The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was
completed in 339 and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan
Revolts in the 6th century.
A new basilica was built in 565 by Justinian, the
Byzantine Emperor, restoring the architectural tone of the
original.
The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous
additions since this second construction, including its
prominent bell towers.
Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site
holds a prominent religious significance to those of both the
Christian and Muslim faiths.
The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage
Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO).
The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites
in Danger.
Seventh angel found in Bethlehem church
Italian team restoring Bethlehem monument