Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

Restoration of the Cappella Paolina

The Cappella Paolina reopened this evening revealing the long awaited restoration of the chapel which was sacrificed to the liturgical excesses of the 1970s. Gone, thankfully, are the awful pieces of brown carpet on the floor and covering the lower half of the walls. Gone too is the awful teacup and saucer granite altar which replaced the one put into the chapel by Paul III 450 years ago. Gone too are all the awful pot plants used to fill up the visual gas left after the 60s wreckage.

The series of photographs begins at the door of the Pauline Chapel coming from the Sala Regia.

Back is the original altar -which was rescued from an antiques dealer and made available for the moment when it would return to its original home in the Pauline Chapel. Back too are the geometrical patterned dado on the walls – similar to that in the Sixtine Chapel. Back too is the dignified altar arrangement. Back again are the wall tapisteries of the sanctuary.

The frescoes of Michelangelo have also been restored and we hope to have images of these soon.