Sanctuary Scaffolding

Restoration work is moving into the sanctuary, where crews are installing scaffolding more than 100 feet high to provide access to the baldachino and dome. This next phase will focus on restoring the dome’s plaster and paint, preserving the architectural details and decorative finishes high above the sanctuary.

The baldachino, or canopy, stands 40 feet high. Atop it stands a 9-foot statue of Mary. Above the baldachino, 12 windows illustrate Marian attributes drawn from the Song of Solomon. The plaster dome features oil-on-canvas portraits of the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Special care is being taken to protect the cipollino marble pillars surrounding the sanctuary, which were imported from Italy.