The construction site of the Saint-Michel Basilica was supposed to be completed this week. However, due to COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown, it is not expected to be ready on time.
It was supposed to be ready for this week. In the end, the historical monument in the old town of Menton will not be completely ready for the launch of the Music Festival. Started in September 2018, this project aims to renovate the Saint-Michel Basilica, completed in 1653. To achieve this, around ten workers from the Mediterranean Building and Renovation Company are hard at work. Specialized in the restoration of historical monuments, the company had to halt these works for two months due to the lockdown.
With the Music Festival, which takes place from August 1 to 10 on the forecourt of the basilica since 1949, the scaffolding has been removed so that spectators can still enjoy the view of the building during the concerts. The work will resume in September.
Costly but necessary
Bringing the entire electrical installation up to code and installing smoke detectors in the attic, as well as a gangway for better movement, are part of the additions in this renovation. However, the main modification of these works, which cost the city 515,000 euros, is the removal of the old plaster, followed by desalination of the stones with demineralized water. To ensure the longevity of these renovations, repainting with limewash every two years will be necessary.
