The Pilar Council is considering using drones to check the condition of the Basilica’s domes

This Monday morning, a team of technicians visited the Basilica of El Pilar in Zaragoza to study the vaults following the recent detachment of a piece of plaster from one of its domes. The technicians will prepare a 
restoration project outlining the measures needed to repair this damage.

The accident resulted in the injury of one of its visitors, after the piece of plaster hit his nose , and the need to cordon off that area , in order to guarantee the safety of all citizens who come to see the Basilica.

In order to conduct a detailed study of the state of the vaults, the possibility of using drones to fly over both the interior and exterior has been considered. However, according to the spokesperson for the City Council, José Antonio Calvo, this measure may not be sufficient.

THE DAMAGED DOME WAS THE “REGINA PATRIARCHARUM”

The dome affected was the “Regina Patriarcharum” , one of the domes painted by Ramón Bayeu in 1781. This dome is located at the entrance to the Basilica, very close to the main door, so the area is very popular with visitors.

It is therefore especially necessary to proceed with caution . Thus, since Monday, visitors have been able to use the main entrance to enter the cathedral, but when leaving, they have been informed that they should approach the entrance at the other end, also in Plaza del Pilar.

For now, further details are unknown, pending the architect’s review of the case and proposal of a specific project outlining the plans for restoring the vault, as well as how long the work might take.