$16 Million Restoration of Cathedral Basilica Santa María La Antigua Is Deteriorating After 8 Months

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Moderator comment:There are numerous references to the cathedral discussed herein as part of the visit of Pope Francis to Panama in January 2019. Please refer to http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/3043-world-youth-day-wyd-in-panama-and-pope-francis-visits-panama-22-27-january-2019 for more information about this cathedral.

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$16 million cathedral restoration deteriorating after 8 months

The Pope consecrated the altar at the restored cathedral

Posted 05/09/2019

The $16 million renovation of the Cathedral Basilica Santa María La Antigua, opened to the public just eight months ago already has serious deterioration due to humidity.

 “I cannot conceive that after eight months the cathedral is as it is, after the high investment that was made. I urge the company Ortiz, which is responsible, to solve the problem,” Ricardo Gago, president of the Committee of Friends  Friends of the Churches of Casco Viejo (Caica).

It could be problems with the air conditioning, or that the paint was not of the required quality. The truth is that the cathedral has moisture problems throughout the roof. The cathedral was restored with $12 million contributed by the government and $4  million more from private donors says TVN.

“Moisture spots have been generated on the walls. Stains come from the ceiling and are on the walls" ”Gago said.

In November 2018, the act of handing over the keys of the cathedral was carried out and the results of the restoration were trumpeted. Then it was closed to equip it and prepare it for the Pope's visit to World Youth Day (WYD).

Tourists believed that the stains on the pilasters, the arches and the ceiling of the cathedral were due to the old church. They ignored that it was recently restored.

This September 11, the Spanish consortium that did the work will meet with the Secretariat of Goals and executives of Caica to explain the work that is being done.

The restoration is guaranteed for three years.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/16-million-cathedral-restoration-deteriorating-after-8-months