The Crypt of SS. Nicolò And Domenico

MYSTIC ATMOSPHERIC

A recent restoration of the crypt has brought to light a cycle of frescoes, which had long remained hidden under a thick layer of lime. The underground crypt (hypogeum) was made by Cavallino around the year 1000 CE and is located under the Church of the Santissimi Nicolò and Domenico. The frescoes, added in the 17th Century by the Basilian monks, were being threatened due to the humidity of the environment, an area just over 50m2 and 2.45m high.

Without altering the existing electrical system, the project team were able to create a lighting system which measures and governs the intensity of light touching the walls and ceiling. This was in order to both conserve and highlight the colours of the frescoes. Besides creating an uncomfortable glare, the previous uplighting distorted the perception of the original colours, preventing an authentic reading of the place and the mysticism which permeates it.

The accent lighting on the altar was achieved by hiding the luminaires in two narrow side niches. The lighting design was developed after a lengthily study in order to recreate a lost atmosphere as well as to preserve the works of art.

PRODUCTS USED
Exenia: Museum Small (Spot optics and Medium, CRI 85 – 3000K).
Lumenpulse: Lumenfacade Inground DWH. Control System: Lumentalk.

Location
Cavallino, Lecce, Italy
Market
Places of Worship - Monuments and Museums
Lighting Design
Andrea Ingrosso
Photographer
Bruno Barillari

Summary

A recent restoration of the crypt has brought to light a cycle of frescoes, which had long remained hidden under a thick layer of lime. The underground crypt (hypogeum) was made by Cavallino around the year 1000 CE and is located under the Church of the Santissimi Nicolò and Domenico.

Without altering the existing electrical system, the project team were able to create a lighting system which measures and governs the intensity of light touching the walls and ceiling. This was in order to both conserve and highlight the colours of the frescoes.