The Cathedral of Oviedo Unveils the New Face of the Shroud of Christ

The Holy Chamber of the Cathedral of Oviedo, which has housed the most important relics of Western Christendom since the 9th century, shines brightly after a lengthy and meticulous restoration. The Shroud of Christ, the Cross of the Angels, and the Cross of Victory, among other pre-Romanesque treasures, gleam with all honors in the revamped palatine chapel. Four months of work by architects, archaeologists, and other technicians have served to 'restore the sculptural legibility and the medieval ivory patina' of the marvelous Romanesque Apostolate, making it 'a monumental work of ivory,' according to the opinions of those responsible for the work and the astonished visitors who have already been able to admire such artistic and religious beauty. A deep restoration after almost eighty years, but the wait has been worth it, considering that this time the latest technologies were used.

Following the relocation of display cases and relics, the cleaning of walls, vaults, and floors was carried out using a very mild abrasive: pumice stone. The Romanesque Apostolate was treated with a heat gun that softened the layers of surface wax that had smothered the reliefs. Laser technology was used to clean its capitals, bases, and imposts, as well as the Romanesque Calvary and the ribbed arches. Hidden polychromy was revealed from beneath the accumulated dust, and areas affected by humidity were brightened. The topaz eyes of Thomas, the doubting apostle, and the jet black eyes of the other apostles were rediscovered. Brooches on tunics and folds in the sculptures' garments reemerged, along with veined retouches mimicking marbles and pilgrims' graffiti... And as the absolute protagonist, the Shroud of Christ, now protected by a bulletproof case with a sterile atmosphere. The Holy Chamber, a place of prayer for the creator of the Camino de Santiago, King Alfonso II the Chaste, and his successors, has seen the light once again.

The Cathedral of Oviedo is newly unveiled. In addition to its attractive dependencies, such as the Crypt of Santa Leocadia, its Gothic cloister, its majestic Chapter Hall, the Church Museum-with its world-exclusive pieces and the significance of the Basilica of San Salvador-and its renowned Holy Chamber (9th century), it has regained its magic in the 21st century. The 'new light' of the Romanesque Apostolate achieved after an exhaustive restoration, the splendor of its reliquary treasures, reconfigured for better contemplation, and indirect LED lighting along with automatic climate control will further enhance the religious and historical symbolism of the Chapel of St. Michael. New changes concerning tourist visits include the limitation to twenty-five people per group in the Holy Chamber, the projection of audiovisuals, and new entry fees: 7 euros for the general public. Other groups such as retirees, unemployed individuals, students, and pilgrims with credentials will pay between 6 and 4 euros. Guided tours accredited by the Cabildo start at 5 euros. These prices grant access to the full tour and provide radio guides (with an accredited guide) and audio guides for individual tourists.