This ambitious project, scheduled for completion within 18 months, will address the consolidation, review, and repointing of the structures, as well as the replacement of exterior carpentry and roof repairs. The work is being carried out by Proyectos y Rehabilitaciones Kalam, S.A., a company renowned for its expertise in historical heritage restoration.
The initiative not only seeks to preserve the temple's structure, which has suffered over time from the 'stone disease,' but also to enhance the visitor experience. A new inter-vault space connecting to the towers will be created for exhibitions. Additionally, the original idea of opening circular oculus windows in the three small vaults will be revived to improve natural light and ventilation.
This is a very powerful building, but it endures a very aggressive environment that affects its structure and requires constant maintenance.
The restoration will begin on the Levante tower, which is in a more deteriorated state. Once completed, it will be opened to the public, and work will then proceed on the Poniente tower. The work plan was designed by the architecture studio La Consulta de Venancio González, with the support of architect Francisco Ladrón de Guevara.
The Cathedral Chapter has financed much of the previous works with its own funds, generated by the success of its cultural and tourism plan. In the last year, Cádiz Cathedral received 320,000 visitors, the highest figure among cultural facilities in the province, surpassing visits from a decade ago by 100,000.
