Holy Cross: periodic inspection for the facade that was built with real fundraising

The facade of Santa Croce in Florence is undergoing a thorough periodic inspection these days.

Using a mobile trolley and an aerial platform, which are necessary to reach the 62-meter height, technicians will examine the stone elements that make up the facade: white marbles from Carrara and the Montagnola Senese, yellow from Siena, reds from Monsummano and Garfagnana, and greens from Monteferrato in Prato and Impruneta. Marble elements chosen by Nicola Matas himself, the architect who designed the facade of Santa Croce and supervised its work between 1857 and 1863.

The construction of the facade was a true ante litteram fundraising campaign: Pope Pius IX on August 22, 1857 participated in the inauguration of the building site and poured 3133 liras, King Victor Emmanuel II poured 3190 liras, Grand Duke Leopold and other royal persons of his family even poured 44666 liras. The Opera di Santa Croce organized a special fundraising committee and an intense propaganda activity: contributions arrived from private individuals, communities, and Italian and foreign associations. Particularly noteworthy is the large contribution of Francis Joseph Sloane who contributed 358168 liras.

Today’s inspections of the basilica’s facade are also an opportunity for further investigations and insights related to historical and scientific aspects of the characteristics of this architectural complex.

Holy Cross: periodic inspection for the facade that was built with real fundraising

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