The iconic Madonna of the Pantheon has been meticulously restored after a eight-month project. The revered medieval icon was unveiled last month.
The Madonna of the Pantheon, an icon dating back to the consecration of the ancient Roman site in the seventh century, was last restored in 1961. This time an interdisciplinary team made use of cutting-edge technology and innovative scientific methods to assist in its restoration.
“Restoring this ancient icon breathes new life into its sacred significance, offering today’s believers a renewed connection to this symbol of faith,” explains Daniele Micheletti, Rector of the Pantheon.
On May 13, 609, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon to all Christian martyrs and the Virgin of Santa Maria ad Martyres, and the Madonna of the Pantheon was part ofit. According to tradition, the icon was created by the Apostle Luke and has since withstood the test of time, representing the Madonna Odigitria, or “she who leads,” pointing to the Child as the path of salvation.
Italy’s Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted the importance of this restoration in the ongoing enhancement of Rome’s most visited sites. “The restoration of the Madonna of the Pantheon is a key step in enhancing one of our nation’s most visited monuments. The revenues generated from the newly introduced entrance fee, approximately one million euros per month, will fund further significant projects, including the redevelopment of the lapidarium near the Basilica of Neptune,” he stated.
Gabriella Musto, Director of the Pantheon, remarked on the broader implications of this work, stating, “The restoration of the Madonna of the Pantheon is the most significant project we’ve undertaken in recent years. It’s part of a larger effort to tell the story of the Pantheon’s continuous evolution, preserving its spiritual and historical identity.”
The iconic Madonna of the Pantheon has been meticulously restored after a eight-month project. The revered medieval icon was unveiled last month.
The Madonna of the Pantheon, an icon dating back to the consecration of the ancient Roman site in the seventh century, was last restored in 1961. This time an interdisciplinary team made use of cutting-edge technology and innovative scientific methods to assist in its restoration.
“Restoring this ancient icon breathes new life into its sacred significance, offering today’s believers a renewed connection to this symbol of faith,” explains Daniele Micheletti, Rector of the Pantheon.
On May 13, 609, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon to all Christian martyrs and the Virgin of Santa Maria ad Martyres, and the Madonna of the Pantheon was part ofit. According to tradition, the icon was created by the Apostle Luke and has since withstood the test of time, representing the Madonna Odigitria, or “she who leads,” pointing to the Child as the path of salvation.
Italy’s Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted the importance of this restoration in the ongoing enhancement of Rome’s most visited sites. “The restoration of the Madonna of the Pantheon is a key step in enhancing one of our nation’s most visited monuments. The revenues generated from the newly introduced entrance fee, approximately one million euros per month, will fund further significant projects, including the redevelopment of the lapidarium near the Basilica of Neptune,” he stated.
Gabriella Musto, Director of the Pantheon, remarked on the broader implications of this work, stating, “The restoration of the Madonna of the Pantheon is the most significant project we’ve undertaken in recent years. It’s part of a larger effort to tell the story of the Pantheon’s continuous evolution, preserving its spiritual and historical identity.”
See also: The Medieval History of the Pantheon
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