Jul 29 - Restoration Of 500-Year-Old Franciscan Frescos At The Convent

In close collaboration, the Friends of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, HE the Governor and The Heritage Ministry of HM Government of Gibraltar are to restore a series of unique Sixteenth Century Franciscan Frescos.

Rendered in a medieval style, these frescos depict various Saints and personages related to the Franciscan Order, as well as other Christian iconography. Long believed lost, these fragile examples of High Medieval ecclesiastical art where only uncovered in 2004 during works at The Convent.

While The Convent, most likely built on the site of an older Moorish grain market, was founded in 1480 these Frescos probably date to later renovations during the 1530’s.

A programme of conservation and recording will peel away centuries of over-painting and historical amnesia of these important Frescos, while also studying their context and meaning.

A generous donation by the Friends of Gibraltar will enable these conservation works to commence, thereby bringing Gibraltar’s bygone history to life. Once restored the Franciscan Frescos will form an integral part of the Convent tours.

The project is jointly managed by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and The Ministry for Heritage, HMGoG. Ms Ainoa Rodriguez is the restorer. Historical research will be undertaken jointly by Mr Ryan Asquez and Mr Manolo Galliano, local historians. Scaffolding for the works has been installed by GibScaffolding Ltd.

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