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 The BBC's Linda Duffin"Hundreds of craftsmen and engineers attended a special mass"  real 28k  The BBC's Tim Hirsch"Protecting the treasures" real 28k The BBC's David WilleyDavid Willey's 1997 report on the first earthquake real 28k |
Assisi Basilica reopens
The restoration has taken priority over rebuilding homes for local people |
The Basilica of St Francis in Assisi has reopened its doors to the public for the first time since its roof collapsed during an earthquake in September 1997.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, presided over a solemn mass of rededication in the presence of Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and hundreds of engineers, building workers and art restorers.
Four men were killed in the disaster, which also ruined magnificent frescoes by Cimabue and artists from the school of Giotto - the fathers of Italian painting.
Flashback: a collapsed vault by the basilica's main entrance |
Church officials were keen for it to be completed in time for the millennium. The Vatican's Holy Year celebrations begin on Christmas eve.
"It was a race against time and we won," Italian Culture Minister Giovanna Melandri said in September as she was shown the results.
Two blank vaults on the ceiling, which once contained Giotto frescoes, are still awaiting restoration. Experts say that between 40 and 80% of the fragments have been recovered.
Only two ceiling vaults are still awaiting restoration |
It was the upper basilica that suffered most of the damage.
No frescoes were damaged in the lower basilica but repairs were still necessary as frescoes had been slightly separated from the walls, and could have fallen off in a future earthquake.
The restoration of the basilica was intended to make it as earthquake-proof as possible.
Despite general admiration for the quality of the work, its cost has caused some bitterness in the region, where thousands are still living in trailer camps, unable to return to their homes.
The Italian Government made restoration of the basilica a priority in order to revive the region's flagging tourist industry.
The BBC's David Willey says organised crime has been muscling in on lucrative building contracts for new homes.
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28 Nov 99 | Europe |
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Restoring the Basilica |
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28 Nov 99 | Europe |
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In pictures: Basilica restored |
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25 Sep 99 | Europe |
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Basilica gets quake protector |
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26 Sep 98 | Europe |
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Life amid the rubble of Umbria |
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08 Dec 97 | World |
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Basilica opens doors after earthquake |
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European Laboratory for Structural Assessment |
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Assisi tourist guide |
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Art tour of the basilica |
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