GUADALUPE.- The beautifully ornate dome of the Naples Chapel in Guadalupe, Zacatecas, has been brought back to its former glory after a dedicated restoration project. Imagine the relief of the Franciscan brothers, the caretakers of this historic chapel, as the scaffolding finally came down, revealing the painstakingly repaired artwork within. The culprit behind the need for this extensive work? Those unusually heavy rains back in 2024, which took a toll on the delicate structure.

The Mexican government, through its cultural heritage arm, INAH, made the dome's restoration a priority. This wasn't just any building; the Naples Chapel is a significant piece of Mexico's architectural and artistic heritage, especially as part of the historic Royal Road of Tierra Adentro. The restoration was a two-phase effort. First, crews tackled the crucial job of waterproofing the chapel's roof and the main sanctuary, a necessary step to prevent future water damage.

Then came the intricate work on the dome's interior. A towering scaffold, almost 60 feet high, was erected inside the chapel, allowing specialists to get up close and personal with the damage. They meticulously documented everything with photographs before starting the delicate cleaning of the plasterwork. The gold leaf that adorned the dome was showing its age, with cracks and flaking. Where possible, it was carefully cleaned with chemicals; where the original gold remained, it was strengthened to prevent further loss.

To secure loose decorative elements, restorers used injections to reinforce the plaster beneath. Sections where plaster and ornamentation were missing were painstakingly recreated by hand, and then prepared for the application of new gold leaf to match the original. A particularly challenging task involved the medallions in the dome's center, each bearing a Marian symbol. These were carefully removed and taken to INAH's restoration workshop in Zacatecas. There, they were cleaned, straightened, and any cracks or loose pieces were fixed. Old, incompatible repair materials were removed, and the medallions were prepared with traditional materials like Spanish white and bole before being gilded and finally returned to their place in the dome. Even the chapel's chandelier received a good cleaning, both mechanically and chemically.

The Naples Chapel itself is a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Built in the mid-19th century, it features a neoclassical design with ornamentation that hints at the Baroque period's exuberance. Its name comes from a cherished image of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, a gift from Spanish royalty back in the 18th century. With the restoration complete, this important landmark is ready to continue inspiring visitors with its beauty and history.