EU recovery funds fuel frenzied restorations around Rome, including at famed basilica

In a flurry of restoration activity fueled by European Union pandemic recovery funds, one of Rome’s historic treasures is undergoing a transformative makeover. The San Pietro in Vincoli basilica, famous for housing Michelangelo’s monumental sculpture of Moses, is revealing long-hidden artistic elements as part of a comprehensive restoration project.

On Monday, restorer Melanie Khanthajan perched precariously on scaffolding 20 meters (65 feet) above the basilica floor, carefully removing layers of plaster from intricate serpentine decorations surrounding a coat of arms on the vaulted ceiling. Using a scalpel and employing a technique called “descialbo,” she meticulously uncovered artistic elements that have been obscured for generations.

“Every removal of a layer surprises us because it allows us to understand what it is like, what emerges,” Khanthajan explained. “So for us it’s wonderful, it’s a discovery every day.”

The €2 million ($2.3 million) restoration project is keeping Khanthajan and ten other skilled restorers busy as they work on the basilica’s ceilings, altar, tombs, marble columns, and decorative elements. This effort represents just one piece of a much larger cultural preservation initiative throughout the Eternal City.

Rome received €500 million ($579 million) in European pandemic recovery funds for the aptly named “Caput Mundi” projects, referencing the ancient Roman term meaning “the head of the world.” These funds are supporting renovations at more than 100 cultural sites across the city, with a strict deadline requiring all projects to be completed by the end of 2026.

The basilica itself holds profound historical and religious significance. Located just steps away from the Colosseum, it derives its name—”vincoli” from the Latin “vincula” meaning chains—from the precious relics it houses. At the center of the altar, a glass box contains what tradition holds are the chains that once bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. According to religious lore, these chains miraculously fused with those used to restrain Peter during his imprisonment in Rome’s Mamertine prison.

Built in the 5th century during the Eastern Roman Empire, the church underwent significant renovation in the 16th century when Pope Julius II ordered a partial reconstruction. During these renovations, the Pope incorporated his noble family’s Della Rovere coat of arms—featuring a distinctive oak tree—throughout the basilica’s ceilings, arches, and chapels. These decorative elements are now the primary focus of the restoration work.

While Michelangelo’s masterpiece statue of Moses, created in 1513 as part of Pope Julius II’s funeral monument, remains the basilica’s main attraction, it is not included in the current restoration program. However, the famous sculpture will receive a thorough cleaning once the larger project is completed.

“The works started about eight months ago and will end by May 2026,” explained Ilaria Sgarbozza, the scientific director overseeing the restoration project. “Let’s say it’s a very fast pace.”

The rapid timeline reflects the urgency created by the EU funding deadline, creating a boom in cultural preservation activity throughout Rome. For visitors to the Eternal City in the coming years, these restoration projects offer a rare opportunity to see Rome’s artistic heritage emerge from centuries of accumulated grime, revealing colors and details that have been hidden from view for generations.

The San Pietro in Vincoli project exemplifies how European pandemic recovery funds are being channeled toward preserving cultural heritage, ensuring these historic treasures will be accessible to future generations while also supporting specialized restoration jobs during a period of economic recovery.