A Well-Preserved Cultural Heritage
The church of Sant Sever, located in the heart of Barcelona, is in the last stage of its restoration, a project that has revealed its exceptional conservation as a Baroque monument. Built between 1699 and 1704, this architectural gem has withstood the onslaught of time, standing out for its rich decoration and unique details.
Recent Discoveries
Recently, restoration work has uncovered a set of wooden beams with remains of polychromy, which would date from the 14th century. These beams, reused in the 19th century to reinforce the roof, are a testament to the rich past of the church that still remains to be investigated.
Durable History
During the Civil War, Sant Sever was one of the few churches in the Old Town that was saved from the flames, thus contributing to its valuable preservation. The work of the architect Jaume Arnaudies, continued by Joan Fiter, has remained as a witness of the Catalan Baroque, a style that has left a deep mark on the cultural identity of the region.
Highlights
Among the treasures that the church houses, the magnificent high altar altarpiece, the work of the sculptor Pere Costa, as well as the gilded wooden tribunes designed by Jeroni Escarabatxeres stands out. In addition, the organ of Josep Boscà from 1721 is an example of the musical art of the time, contributing to the cultural heritage of the city.
A Restoration Project With Vision
Started in 2019, the restoration works have been promoted by the Cathedral of Barcelona with the aim of preserving the church of Sant Sever against the deterioration caused by pollution and termite infestations. After a pause forced by the pandemic, work has resumed, focusing on the rehabilitation of the roof and facade.
Commitment to the Future
A team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to restoring the original splendor of the temple, with the intention of ensuring that future generations can enjoy this cultural heritage. This intervention is considered one of the most significant in the field of heritage conservation in Catalonia.
A Beloved Communal Space
Sant Sever has not only served as a place of worship for the Community of Beneficiaries, but has been a meeting point for the Barcelona community. Its social importance is reflected in its use for celebrations such as baptisms and weddings, thus consolidating its place in the city’s cultural heritage.
Contributions to the Restoration
This ambitious restoration project has been possible thanks to subsidies from the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which recognizes the importance of this monument for the cultural identity of Barcelona.