The rehabilitation of the Tarragona cathedral roof will take at least a year to begin

The rehabilitation works on the roof of the central nave of the Tarragona Cathedral will not begin, at least, until 2025. This has been stated by the architect in charge of the project, Antoni Maltas, who has detailed that the work is expected to last for one year and will be completed in 2026. The Chapter has already presented the project to the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA), from which they expect to receive a subsidy of 65% of the cost, which rises to 1.5 million euros.

Maltas said this coinciding with the completion of the “urgent” works that have been carried out on the southeastern slope of the central roof.

In September 2022, part of the tiles fell off, covering the drainage holes and causing rainwater to leak through the temple windows.

Despite the urgency of the works, Maltas has assured that there is “no danger in the structure of the monument.”

The action, according to the architect, has served to “be calmer” and avoid possible accumulations and leaks of water, as well as the transfer of humidity to the interior of the warehouse.

In fact, the roof detachment has occurred in the southeastern area of ??the temple – the one facing the sea – and, therefore, the most humid. “It is the part that supports the greatest aggression,” she argued.

For Maltas, the sun and some of the materials “in possible poor condition” used in the restoration of the roof in 2007 could also have accelerated the detachment.

The comprehensive project, which is expected to begin in 2025 in the central nave, contemplates the replacement of the materials used practically two decades ago with traditional materials. “We will do the same as in 2007, but without using plastic materials and opting for more sustainable ones,” detailed Maltas, who regretted that “this awareness was not had before.” The architect has also assured that the works will not affect the normal activity of the temple.

Before these restoration works can begin, MITMA must accept the project and ensure financing for 65% of the total cost.

The other 35% will be borne by the Chapter of the Cathedral of Tarragona, which is already contacting other administrations to subsidize part of the action.