Sponsors wanted for Mount of Olives restoration – help history!

Sponsors wanted for Mount of Olives restoration – help history!

Work on the Mount of Olives in Speyer Cathedral Gardens is currently on the agenda because a comprehensive restoration is urgently needed. The project, which is scheduled to continue after the winter break, could prove significant for the preservation of this historic structure. Loud Rhine Palatinate The first preparatory work began last year, where the restoration of the grid with a sandstone base around the Mount of Olives was completed.

The planned measures are complex. This includes cleaning and restoring the 18 figures and the stone surfaces. It is already clear that some of the figures show varying degrees of damage - from greening in the north to dark, black crusts on the top. Particularly explosive damage can be observed in areas affected by vandalism near the outside area. The extent of this damage varies greatly, which makes the complex restoration of the figures a challenge.

Progress and next steps

How Speyer Cathedral Building Association Reportedly, the figure of the “Hunter with Club” has already been cleaned for a test and taken to the workshop of the Uhrig stonemasonry. This initial cleaning should serve to assess the extent of the damage in more detail. The next step is the tendering of the work, which is divided into specific areas — from cleaning to restoration and sculpture work.

The roof of the Mount of Olives, which dates back to the mid-20th century, will also be included in the renovation process. The dark wooden ceiling was removed to make space for the impressive sculptures. To prevent further damage from pigeons, the area was protected with special nets. During the course of the project, dedicated lighting will even be installed for the roof area.

Support and sponsorships

A central concern is the search for sponsors who are willing to financially support the cleaning and restoration of the figures. All donors will be recognized with a plaque upon completion of the project — a generous gesture that honors the community for their support. Anyone interested in a “cleaning sponsorship” can contact the cathedral building association directly.

It is worth noting that Germany as a whole has a high density of cultural assets that are preserved by specialized restorers and workshops. These developments are not only a piece of history, but also part of a vibrant and economically relevant sector that is concerned with the preservation of our cultural assets. In the 19th century, a new interest in restoration began, which continues to this day and is supported by various public and private funding measures, such as Romoe clarified.

The restoration of the Mount of Olives is therefore not only a conservation project, but also a sign of cultural commitment. It becomes clear here that collective efforts and broad support are always necessary to keep such cultural treasures alive.