The Atlantic Romanesque Plan has initiated an intervention to improve the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Bandera in the town of Fermosella, Zamora. The temple is also known as the church of San Juan. Early work focused on the restoration of the two side altars of the temple, dedicated to San Pedro of Alcantara and the Virgin of the Annunciation. They are from the Baroque period and are made of gilded and polychrome wood. Over time, dirt and loss of polychrome has made the deterioration evident in both pieces, especially the altarpiece of San Pedro de Alcantara, which will have to be dismantled for restoration.
After a preliminary phase of investigation and analysis of the altarpieces, the technicians of the Rearasa company in Zamora will clean and then proceed to apply various methods of consolidation, both to the wood stand as well as the pictorial layers , and to apply the necessary fungal and insect treatments. Finally, any cracks or other damage will be repaired by reversible procedures to ensure proper presentation and artistic and historical interpretation of the altarpieces.
Efficient Lighting
The intervention will continue with the renovation and modernization of the electrical installation of the temple, placing new points of LED technology, enabling greater light output and lower consumption. Besides being more efficient and sustainable, new points will be used to enhance the lighting of the temple and feature artistic elements such as altarpieces or the presbytery.
MHS and Sensors
The project will finish with the monitoring of the sanctuary. Technicians from the Santa María la Real Foundation will apply the Preventive Conservation System MHS. Wireless sensors will be placed at strategic locations that will measure, record and control the building's environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) to ensure optimal preservation of the building itself as well as all the goods housed inside. Following the restoration of the two altarpieces, various sensors will be placed on them to control the amount of light they receive which could damage them once restored.
The MHS system also includes safety as one of its functions. The installation of motion and smoke detectors will ensure better prevention against possible incidents.
Shared Intervention
Technicians from the Santa María la Real Foundation have previously held an informational meeting with the pastor, members of the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Bandera and residents of Fermosella. Thanks to this meeting, these groups have learned first-hand and in detail each of the steps to be taken in the sanctuary within the Atlantic Romanesque Plan and have been very involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the temple.
Finally, it is important to remember that the Atlantic Romanesque Intervention Plan is currently working on other projects in the province of Zamora, particularly in the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Pobladura de Aliste to restore the original Romanesque door located on the north wall of temple , to improve lighting and to monitor the temple to ensure preventive conservation. Also work is being done in San Martín of Castañeda .
