The restoration of the more than a century-old Our Lady of Refuge Church building in Viriyur in Kallakurichi district by the Puducherry chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has earned recognition in the national-level competition conducted by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).
The HUDCO Design Awards were given under the category of Conservation of Heritage. The church restoration project came second among three winners.
“The restoration of the church was entrusted with INTACH and the work was completed in 2019. The rafters in the roof were damaged due to water seepage and cracks had also developed in the chancel rooms. The project included the replacement of doors and windows and replastering of the walls. Cracks and flakings found in the paintings and the interior wall of the bell tower were also repaired,” according to A. Arul, chief architect, INTACH.
“The most difficult part was repairing the altar and the dome. Cracks had developed on the roof and flakings were also found in the paintings. Appropriate interventions were carried out to ensure that the restoration matched the original building, which stands out for its architectural value. The award has come as a shot in the arm for conservation,” he said.
The building’s architectural style was also known as Baroque-Gothic style architecture. This concept is a highly decorative and theatrical style, which appeared in Italy in the early 17th century. It is characterised by vaulted cupolas held by swivelling colonnades, walls and doorways and highly decorated ceiling.
This style was prevalent in Europe from the late 12th to the 16th century. The main features are pointed arch spires, towers, stained glass windows and highly decorated elevations, Mr. Arul added.
