Project

In 2001 and 2002, WMF provided technical assistance and financial support for the restoration of the damaged portal. Prior work had included historical research and a series of technical investigations, carried out by an accomplished team of Czech and Slovak experts. (...)

In 2001 and 2002, WMF provided technical assistance and financial support for the restoration of the damaged portal. Prior work had included historical research and a series of technical investigations, carried out by an accomplished team of Czech and Slovak experts. The stone was partially cleaned, highly deteriorated material was consolidated, damaged elements were patched, and deep cracks were grouted. To guard against future deterioration, measures to improve water drainage at the site were also implemented. Plaster casts of two statues of apostles were created, to aid in the broader study of the monument. In November 2002 WMF convened an international symposium, Porta Coeli Restaurata 2000-2002. During the two-day event the restoration process and new findings on the history of Porta Coeli were presented. Experts exchanged technical information based on the experience of restoring similar portals in other monuments such as Ebrach Abbey in Germany, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and St. George’s Abbey in Ják, Hungary.