Brazilian Restorers Cry Foul Over Distasteful Makeover of Historic Church in Soria
In a controversial turn of events, the historic Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Mirón, located in Soria, Spain, has been the subject of intense scrutiny following its recent restoration that many are deeming an 'assault on heritage.' Built in 1725 on the remnants of an older Romanesque and Gothic church, the building's recently altered aesthetics have left professional restorers demanding explanations while triggering a wave of outrage among local heritage enthusiasts.
The restoration has drawn unfortunate comparisons to the infamous 'Ecce Homo' restoration, which left a rather unfortunate impact on the world of art conservation. Renowned online newspaper El Confidencial highlighted the parallels with the headline, “Another Ecce Homo but with Cherubs.”
Local heritage advocacy group Soria Patrimonio took to social media platform X to showcase before-and-after images of the renovation, revealing a striking shift from the church's previous white nave to a new dusky pink hue, in addition to a puzzling refresh to the exuberant cherubim decorations that now appear oddly caricatured. In their post, they lamented, "What have they done to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Mirón?"
As a listed monument, there are minimum preservation standards that need to be upheld during restoration efforts, and Soria Patrimonio stated the measures taken in this case failed to meet those standards. They stressed that the project had not undergone necessary preliminary studies, thereby transforming the church's visual appearance, which had remained consistent for over a century. The newly highlighted decorative elements have been criticized for simplifying their original grace, with the cherubs appearing strikingly different from their once pristine white forms.
Spain's Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators (ACRE) has also voiced its strong disapproval, stating the need for local and regional governments to develop professional teams dedicated to restoration. ACRE emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations and regular inspections to prevent such haphazard alterations from proliferating. ACRE President Francisco Manuel Espejo, in comments made to El Confidencial, was unflinching in his evaluation: "We’re not talking about a failed restoration here, we’re talking about an assault on heritage." He further pointed out that given the church's protected status, any proposed works should have received appropriate oversight from city councils and heritage specialists alike.
The regional government of Castilla y León has distanced itself, claiming it does not oversee the church as it does not possess the requisite level of heritage protection. Meanwhile, Soria city council remains silent on the matter, leaving the local community and professional restorers in a void regarding accountability.
In a contrasting perspective, a spokesperson from the Diocese of Osma-Soria, which is entrusted with the church's oversight, assured that the works were indeed conducted with the necessary permissions, remarking that responses to the renovations were subjective—some individuals reportedly appreciate the new look.
This incident underscores a critical discussion on the standards and ethics of restoration practices, particularly in heritage-rich regions like Spain. The uproar over the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Mirón reflects a growing vigilance among professionals and citizens alike regarding the preservation of historical integrity in architectural sites. As the debate continues, many remain hopeful for a resolution that honors the past while safeguarding future interventions in heritage conservation.
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