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Altar of the Fatherland: the restoration work

Work will begin on 28 March 2023, the first stage of a project to enhance the value of the central area of the Vittoriano

FOLLOW UP EVERY WEEK The Diary of the restoration

Work is beginning on the restoration of the Altar of the Fatherland, the central area of the Vittoriano, conceived by the architect Giuseppe Sacconi as a large secular altar to the Nation and its values, and decorated by the Brescian sculptor Angelo Zanelli.

The Altar is now poorly visible and its state in some respects is critical. The restoration work, directed by Edith Gabrielli and executed by Susanna Sarmati, has among its main objectives to ensure the material preservation of the work and restore full enjoyment of Zanelli's sculptures.

The organisation of the work in three phases will ensure the service of the Guard of Honour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the performance of the ceremonies on 25 April and 2 June.

This will be an open construction site, capable among other things of attesting to Italian excellence in the field of artistic restoration. Citizens and tourists will be able to observe the operators live and climb on the scaffolding in guided tours. An online Diary of restoration will document the progress of the work weekly.

What is the Altar of the Fatherland?

The reasons for its restoration

The restoration project

An open construction site

Altar of the Fatherland: the Diary of the restoration

A digital restoration Diary, from March to October 2023, will follow all the phases of the restoration of the Altar of the Fatherland with images, videos and interviews offering insights.

24 October

Week 31. Preparations are in full swing for the exhibition dedicated to the Altar of the Fatherland and Angelo Zanelli
From the restoration site to the setting up of the exhibition "Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland”

17 October

Week 30. The restoration work at the Altar of the Fatherland has been completed
The restoration work is coming to an end, and the dismantling of the scaffolding is underway

10 October

Week 29. Restoration of the central section of the frieze completed
The restoration of the central sector of the Altar of the Fatherland, including the statue Goddess Rome, has also been completed

03 October

Week 28. Final stages of the restoration
The restoration of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli at the Altar of the Fatherland is moving toward its final stages.

26 September

Week 27. The beginning of grouting work
Restorers can now proceed with the grouting.

19 September

Week 26. Cleaning work continues: resins and ammonium carbonate compresses have been removed
Restorers are completing cleaning operations on the central portion of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze.

12 September

Week 25. Compresses and brush applications
In the next stage of cleaning, restorers work on the dark deposits, called carbonates.

05 September

Week 24. The Goddess Rome: the beginning of cleaning work
Restorers have begun the cleaning phase of the monumental Goddess Rome.

29 August

Week 23. Biological deposits, mosses and lichens
Biological deposits cover the entire surface of the central portion of the frieze.

22 August

Week 22. The first images of the majestic Goddess Rome before the restoration
The restoration work site finally makes it possible to admire the majestic Goddess Rome.

15 August

Week 21. Analysis of the central portion of the frieze continues.
Restorers closely analyze the stone surface of the central portion of the frieze, before proceeding with cleaning activities.

08 August

Week 20. The conservation condition of the central portion of the frieze.
The scaffold, set up at the central area of the frieze, allows the restorers to closely analyze the stone surface of this new portion.

01 August

Week 19. Completed the preparation of the scaffolding on the central sector of the monument
Our restorers will continue work on the Altar of the Fatherland during the month of August.

25 July

Week 18. A new phase of the restoration site begins
After eighteen weeks, restoration operations involving the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

18 July

Week 17. Overture on the decorative details of the frieze
The cleaning, the protagonist of these first four months of work, has finally given new life to the decorative details of the frieze.

11 July

Week 16. Fine decorative details of the frieze resurface thanks to cleaning
The surfaces of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli show, in addition to the signs of workmanship, precious decorative details that re-emerge and become fully visible again.

04 July

Week 15. Processing marks rediscovered after cleaning
After cleaning, the surfaces of the frieze distinctly show signs of the tools used to work the Botticino marble.

27 June

Week 14. Construction characteristics
The frieze of the Altar of the Fatherland is composed of numerous blocks of botticino, a type of marble extracted from quarries located in the province of Brescia.

20 June

Week 13. Grouting underway
After thirteen weeks on site, cleaning operations on the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

13 June

Week 12. Cleaning work continues on the surfaces of the frieze
Restorers are completing the cleaning work on the frieze's surface; they have removed the wrappings and scalpel-removed the stronger, darker deposits that have softened after treatment.

06 June

Week 11. Removing biological agents and limestone deposits
Restorers are in the process of removing all biological agents now necrotized.

01 June

Week 10. The frieze and water seepage
A team of experts is verifying how to intervene on the water infiltration.

23 May

Week 9. An insight: Angelo Zanelli
The VIVE director describes the figure and style of Angelo Zanelli, the Brescian sculptor who, at just 30 years old, won the 1908 competition.

16 May

Week 8 Restoration continues: sampling
Restoration work continues on the east side. Restorer Susanna Sarmati explains the sampling process that will be done on the frieze

09 May

Week 7. An insight: the 1908 competition
The VIVE director tells about the 1908 competition for the decoration of the Altar of the Fatherland won by Angelo Zanelli.

02 May

Week 6: Restorers at work, first phase of cleaning underway

Restorers are proceeding on the eastern side with the first phase of cleaning the frieze.

26 April

Week five: the first visit to the restoration site
The first public visit to the restoration site was held on Sunday, April 23. The participants, divided into different shifts, climbed the scaffolding accompanied by restorer Susanna Sarmati, who told them about the restoration project and the first activities implemented.

18 April

Week four: scaffolding completed, first guided site visit on Sunday, April 23
Scaffolding has been completed on both sides, now the first restoration actions begin, which will be possible to follow thanks to the open construction site and the first special guided tour.

11 April

Week 3: Scaffolding on east wing completed
Surface condition analysis begins.

04 April

Second week: the construction site goes up
Scaffolding erection is on going.

28 March

Work starts: erection of the scaffolding
Erection of the scaffolding on the worksite starts today, Tuesday 28 March. Present are the director of works Edith Gabrielli (director of VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia) and the restorer Susanna Sarmati.

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SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

COMMERCIAL AREA

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VIVE

Altar of the Fatherland: the restoration work

Week 31. Preparations are in full swing for the exhibition dedicated to the Altar of the Fatherland and Angelo Zanelli From the restoration site to the setting up of the exhibition "Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland”

Week 30. The restoration work at the Altar of the Fatherland has been completed The restoration work is coming to an end, and the dismantling of the scaffolding is underway

Week 29. Restoration of the central section of the frieze completed The restoration of the central sector of the Altar of the Fatherland, including the statue Goddess Rome, has also been completed

Week 28. Final stages of the restoration The restoration of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli at the Altar of the Fatherland is moving toward its final stages.

Week 27. The beginning of grouting work Restorers can now proceed with the grouting.

Week 26. Cleaning work continues: resins and ammonium carbonate compresses have been removed Restorers are completing cleaning operations on the central portion of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze.

Week 25. Compresses and brush applications In the next stage of cleaning, restorers work on the dark deposits, called carbonates.

Week 24. The Goddess Rome: the beginning of cleaning work Restorers have begun the cleaning phase of the monumental Goddess Rome.

Week 23. Biological deposits, mosses and lichens Biological deposits cover the entire surface of the central portion of the frieze.

Week 22. The first images of the majestic Goddess Rome before the restoration The restoration work site finally makes it possible to admire the majestic Goddess Rome.

Week 21. Analysis of the central portion of the frieze continues. Restorers closely analyze the stone surface of the central portion of the frieze, before proceeding with cleaning activities.

Week 20. The conservation condition of the central portion of the frieze. The scaffold, set up at the central area of the frieze, allows the restorers to closely analyze the stone surface of this new portion.

Week 19. Completed the preparation of the scaffolding on the central sector of the monument Our restorers will continue work on the Altar of the Fatherland during the month of August.

Week 18. A new phase of the restoration site begins After eighteen weeks, restoration operations involving the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

Week 17. Overture on the decorative details of the frieze The cleaning, the protagonist of these first four months of work, has finally given new life to the decorative details of the frieze.

Week 16. Fine decorative details of the frieze resurface thanks to cleaning The surfaces of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli show, in addition to the signs of workmanship, precious decorative details that re-emerge and become fully visible again.

Week 15. Processing marks rediscovered after cleaning After cleaning, the surfaces of the frieze distinctly show signs of the tools used to work the Botticino marble.

Week 14. Construction characteristics The frieze of the Altar of the Fatherland is composed of numerous blocks of botticino, a type of marble extracted from quarries located in the province of Brescia.

Week 13. Grouting underway After thirteen weeks on site, cleaning operations on the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

Week 12. Cleaning work continues on the surfaces of the frieze Restorers are completing the cleaning work on the frieze's surface; they have removed the wrappings and scalpel-removed the stronger, darker deposits that have softened after treatment.

Week 11. Removing biological agents and limestone deposits Restorers are in the process of removing all biological agents now necrotized.

Week 10. The frieze and water seepage A team of experts is verifying how to intervene on the water infiltration.

Week 9. An insight: Angelo Zanelli The VIVE director describes the figure and style of Angelo Zanelli, the Brescian sculptor who, at just 30 years old, won the 1908 competition.

Week 8 Restoration continues: sampling Restoration work continues on the east side. Restorer Susanna Sarmati explains the sampling process that will be done on the frieze

Week 7. An insight: the 1908 competition The VIVE director tells about the 1908 competition for the decoration of the Altar of the Fatherland won by Angelo Zanelli.

Week 6: Restorers at work, first phase of cleaning underway Restorers are proceeding on the eastern side with the first phase of cleaning the frieze.

Week four: scaffolding completed, first guided site visit on Sunday, April 23 Scaffolding has been completed on both sides, now the first restoration actions begin, which will be possible to follow thanks to the open construction site and the first special guided tour.

Week 3: Scaffolding on east wing completed Surface condition analysis begins.

Second week: the construction site goes up Scaffolding erection is on going.

Work starts: erection of the scaffolding Erection of the scaffolding on the worksite starts today, Tuesday 28 March. Present are the director of works Edith Gabrielli (director of VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia) and the restorer Susanna Sarmati.

VIVE

WHAT TO DO

SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

COMMERCIAL AREA

Week 31. Preparations are in full swing for the exhibition dedicated to the Altar of the Fatherland and Angelo Zanelli
From the restoration site to the setting up of the exhibition "Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland”

Week 30. The restoration work at the Altar of the Fatherland has been completed
The restoration work is coming to an end, and the dismantling of the scaffolding is underway

Week 29. Restoration of the central section of the frieze completed
The restoration of the central sector of the Altar of the Fatherland, including the statue Goddess Rome, has also been completed

Week 28. Final stages of the restoration
The restoration of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli at the Altar of the Fatherland is moving toward its final stages.

Week 27. The beginning of grouting work
Restorers can now proceed with the grouting.

Week 26. Cleaning work continues: resins and ammonium carbonate compresses have been removed
Restorers are completing cleaning operations on the central portion of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze.

Week 25. Compresses and brush applications
In the next stage of cleaning, restorers work on the dark deposits, called carbonates.

Week 24. The Goddess Rome: the beginning of cleaning work
Restorers have begun the cleaning phase of the monumental Goddess Rome.

Week 23. Biological deposits, mosses and lichens
Biological deposits cover the entire surface of the central portion of the frieze.

Week 22. The first images of the majestic Goddess Rome before the restoration
The restoration work site finally makes it possible to admire the majestic Goddess Rome.

Week 21. Analysis of the central portion of the frieze continues.
Restorers closely analyze the stone surface of the central portion of the frieze, before proceeding with cleaning activities.

Week 20. The conservation condition of the central portion of the frieze.
The scaffold, set up at the central area of the frieze, allows the restorers to closely analyze the stone surface of this new portion.

Week 19. Completed the preparation of the scaffolding on the central sector of the monument
Our restorers will continue work on the Altar of the Fatherland during the month of August.

Week 18. A new phase of the restoration site begins
After eighteen weeks, restoration operations involving the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

Week 17. Overture on the decorative details of the frieze
The cleaning, the protagonist of these first four months of work, has finally given new life to the decorative details of the frieze.

Week 16. Fine decorative details of the frieze resurface thanks to cleaning
The surfaces of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli show, in addition to the signs of workmanship, precious decorative details that re-emerge and become fully visible again.

Week 15. Processing marks rediscovered after cleaning
After cleaning, the surfaces of the frieze distinctly show signs of the tools used to work the Botticino marble.

Week 14. Construction characteristics
The frieze of the Altar of the Fatherland is composed of numerous blocks of botticino, a type of marble extracted from quarries located in the province of Brescia.

Week 13. Grouting underway
After thirteen weeks on site, cleaning operations on the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

Week 12. Cleaning work continues on the surfaces of the frieze
Restorers are completing the cleaning work on the frieze's surface; they have removed the wrappings and scalpel-removed the stronger, darker deposits that have softened after treatment.

Week 11. Removing biological agents and limestone deposits
Restorers are in the process of removing all biological agents now necrotized.

Week 10. The frieze and water seepage
A team of experts is verifying how to intervene on the water infiltration.

Week 9. An insight: Angelo Zanelli
The VIVE director describes the figure and style of Angelo Zanelli, the Brescian sculptor who, at just 30 years old, won the 1908 competition.

Week 8 Restoration continues: sampling
Restoration work continues on the east side. Restorer Susanna Sarmati explains the sampling process that will be done on the frieze

Week 7. An insight: the 1908 competition
The VIVE director tells about the 1908 competition for the decoration of the Altar of the Fatherland won by Angelo Zanelli.

Week 6: Restorers at work, first phase of cleaning underway

Restorers are proceeding on the eastern side with the first phase of cleaning the frieze.

Week four: scaffolding completed, first guided site visit on Sunday, April 23
Scaffolding has been completed on both sides, now the first restoration actions begin, which will be possible to follow thanks to the open construction site and the first special guided tour.

Week 3: Scaffolding on east wing completed
Surface condition analysis begins.

Second week: the construction site goes up
Scaffolding erection is on going.

Work starts: erection of the scaffolding
Erection of the scaffolding on the worksite starts today, Tuesday 28 March. Present are the director of works Edith Gabrielli (director of VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia) and the restorer Susanna Sarmati.