Vittoria, the restoration of the wooden doors of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista begins

The Municipality of Vittoria has officially started the maintenance and restoration works of the wooden doors of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, a symbol of the city and a historical, religious, and cultural reference for the entire community.

The handover of the construction site took place today with the signing of the minutes by the project manager, architect Salvatore Lorefice, an act that marks the beginning of the intervention as part of the activities for the protection and enhancement of the city's monumental heritage.

The project, approved by the Municipal Council, involves a total investment of 50,000 euros.

The funds, allocated by the Sicilian Region as part of contributions for urban redevelopment and investments, have been specifically designated by resolution for the restoration of the doors of the Basilica.

The contract has been awarded to the company Cilia Salvatrice Tiziana of Vittoria.

The doors subject to the intervention are the original ones, dated 1706. About fifteen years ago, a conservative restoration was carried out limited to some components; the newly opened construction site will instead allow for a wider, organic, and definitive maintenance and recovery operation.

The works will involve the three main entrances and the two side entrances, with the aim of preserving their structural integrity and artistic value.

“The Basilica of San Giovanni Battista represents one of the most significant symbols of our city's history. The recovery of the historic doors means preserving the collective memory and restoring full dignity to an asset that belongs to the community. Intervening on original elements from the 18th century means investing in the protection of cultural heritage and in the enhancement of our identity,” said the Cultural Councillor, Arturo Barbante.

“Intervening on the historic doors of the Basilica means taking care of an identity asset of our city — said the Maintenance Councillor, Cesare Campailla —. These are original architectural elements that tell over three centuries of history and that required a targeted intervention to ensure their preservation over time.”

“The protection of the monumental heritage represents a fundamental responsibility for a public Administration — says Mayor Francesco Aiello —. Restoring full functionality and decorum to the doors of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista means preserving the collective memory of our community and enhancing one of the most representative places of Vittoria. We continue to invest in the care of the city, aware that safeguarding our history is also an investment in the future.”

With the opening of the construction site, the municipal Administration thus confirms its commitment to the conservation and promotion of the city's historical assets.