Lightning apparently struck the
world-famous Scrovegni Chapel almost three weeks ago, damaging
its internal electrical system, including lights, security and
humidity control, the mayor of the northern city of Padua said
Thursday.
Massimo Bitonci said that technicians have inspected the
roof of the chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other
parts of the historic building for potential damage after a bolt
of lightning apparently hit, likely during a storm on August 9.
Earlier, critics said they feared priceless early 14th
century frescoes painted by the master Giotto might have been
damaged, and complained that information had not provided to the
public about the incident.
It was not clear if the fresco cycle, completed in about
1305, was damaged in what Giotto expert Giuliano Pisani called
"a serious incident".
Pisani, a former city councilor for cultural affairs, said
it was "absolutely outrageous" that the incident was only now
becoming publicly known.
Bitonci said that assessments were being done of the extent
of the damage and cost of repairs.
Stone from the façade of the chapel was reportedly
partially damaged and an iron cross - which Pisani said dates
from the chapel's earliest days - was removed after it was in
danger of falling from the damaged façade.
It was not clear if a lightning rod on the roof took the
brunt of the strike, or if lightening struck that cross.
The chapel, which was commissioned by banker Enrico
Scrovegni, contains two very large fresco cycles covering three
walls from floor to ceiling.
These depict the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin
and are considered to be among the most important masterpieces
of Western art.
The site has also been known as the Arena Chapel because it
was constructed by Scrovegni on land that was adjacent to a
historic Roman arena.
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