THE RESTORATION PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED
St. Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny underwent significant restoration work in late 2021 and 2022, which revitalised the interior of this historic building. The project focused on enhancing the beauty and functionality of the cathedral while preserving its rich heritage.
Key Changes Made During the Restoration:
Cleaning and Restoration of Mosaics: The intricate mosaics adorning the Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St. Joseph were meticulously cleaned, revealing their vibrant colours and intricate details that had been obscured by dust and grime over the years.
Refurbishment of Chapels: The Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St. Joseph were revitalised with cleaned and repainted reliefs and moldings. Gold leaf was applied to decorative designs, further enhancing their elegance.
Installation of New Altar and Ambo: A new altar and ambo were installed in the sanctuary, providing a central focus for worship and enhancing the liturgical experience.
Lighting Enhancements: New lighting systems were installed throughout the cathedral, highlighting architectural features, artwork, and mosaics, and creating a more welcoming and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Cleaning of the Central Apse: The central apse of the cathedral was cleaned earlier, revealing the beauty of its architecture and mosaics, and setting the stage for the subsequent restoration work.
By September 2022, the major restoration work appears to have been completed, as evidenced by my photographs. The result is a beautifully restored interior that honours the cathedral's heritage while providing a welcoming and inspiring space for worship and contemplation.
Visitors to St. Mary's Cathedral can now appreciate the full splendour of its interior, with its restored mosaics, revitalised chapels, and enhanced lighting. The cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Key Changes Made During the Restoration:
Cleaning and Restoration of Mosaics: The intricate mosaics adorning the Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St. Joseph were meticulously cleaned, revealing their vibrant colours and intricate details that had been obscured by dust and grime over the years.
Refurbishment of Chapels: The Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St. Joseph were revitalised with cleaned and repainted reliefs and moldings. Gold leaf was applied to decorative designs, further enhancing their elegance.
Installation of New Altar and Ambo: A new altar and ambo were installed in the sanctuary, providing a central focus for worship and enhancing the liturgical experience.
Lighting Enhancements: New lighting systems were installed throughout the cathedral, highlighting architectural features, artwork, and mosaics, and creating a more welcoming and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Cleaning of the Central Apse: The central apse of the cathedral was cleaned earlier, revealing the beauty of its architecture and mosaics, and setting the stage for the subsequent restoration work.
By September 2022, the major restoration work appears to have been completed, as evidenced by my photographs. The result is a beautifully restored interior that honours the cathedral's heritage while providing a welcoming and inspiring space for worship and contemplation.
Visitors to St. Mary's Cathedral can now appreciate the full splendour of its interior, with its restored mosaics, revitalised chapels, and enhanced lighting. The cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED