To eliminate some infiltrations inside the Cathedral, caused by pigeon guano, one was recently created special drain cleaning intervention with funds from the economic categories of Piacenza who, for two years, have been part of the association Friends of the Parish Work of the Cathedral “Domus Justinae” and contribute, with their financial support, to the ordinary maintenance of the Cathedral.
John Struzzolapresident of the association Friends of the Parish Works of the Cathedral, reported that “following infiltrations inside the Cathedral, on the courtyard side of the Curia, the architect Ferrari contacted the Palpi Company to eliminate these infiltrations due to moss and earth that had obstructed the canal and the drainpipes and a lack of outlet for rainwater from the canal to the drainpipes. The intervention was successfully carried out thanks to the contribution of the economic categories of Piacenza that have joined the association and support every year, with their membership fee, the projects for the maintenance of the Cathedral”.
The work on the Cathedral will continue in the coming months. Struzzola reports that it was decided to start with the roofs. Each year, work will be done on a part of the Cathedral. The Palpi Company was tasked with formulating an estimate for the work to be done at the Cathedral in installments, year by year, starting with roof maintenance through the replacement of damaged tiles, fixing and silicone sheet metal and accessory works. For the work on the Cathedral, relationships with trade associations and entrepreneurs who are contributing are important.
ASSOCIATION Friends of the Parish Work of the Cathedral “Domus Justinae”
“The membership fee of the trade associations that subscribe to the membership of the association “Friends of the Parish Work of the Cathedral “Domus Justinae”, – says Struzzola – is an important economic contribution for the planning of the annual maintenance of the Cathedral. It is a beautiful collaboration, which continues regularly with the trade associations.”
There are also works in progress to arrange the Cathedral parvis. They are waiting to start, as the most suitable color of mortar to use is being identified. The Superintendency has already authorized the intervention. The work on the stuccoing of the steps has already been authorized and can begin.
In recent months, the facade of the Cathedral has shown subsidence in the sandstone that has led to the cordoning off of the corner side door that leads to the Chiostrini. Manuel Ferrari, director of the Diocese’s Cultural Heritage Office, is following the evolution of the situation and what path can be taken to obtain the financial aid needed to consolidate the sandstone of the facade.
Architect Manuel Ferrari, director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Diocese, illustrated the situation of the Cathedral’s façade to the board of directors of the Cathedral Opera, arguing that “an overall intervention must be envisaged. 400 thousand euros are needed for the entire facade. With the first excerpt, checks will be carried out on the detached blocks and on the entire facade. 50% of the intervention is scheduled for 2024. It is hoped that the Ministry will make a contribution. The rest will be up to the Cathedral Opera”.
President Giovanni Struzzola announced that the Opera della Cattedrale will contribute 100 thousand euros to the facade of the Cathedral.
