• Submitted by: manso
• Arts and Culture
• 04 / 29 / 2011

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2011.04.28 - 18:38:25 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba. - An original painting from the 18th century was found in the former chapel of the Saint Basil the Great Seminary, of Santiago de Cuba, which is undergoing restoration to be turned into a cultural place.

Through religious symbols, the painting shows characteristics of the high-ranking ecclesiastic hierarchy of Santiago de Cuba Dioceses.

The work of art was found on above the higher wooden arc giving access to the vault. It is currently undergoing a chemical and mechanical cleaning process to get to the original traces and will be later restored and preserved, local restorer Freddy Chaveco said.

Chaveco added that the image is deteriorated by the passing of a few centuries and the effects of humidity. He said it was covered by another canvas.

Regarding previous research to the restoration of the ancient chapel, Yaumara Lopez, with the archeology team, said subsoil excavations have allowed to show the original floor of ceramic tiles and enabled the discovery, cleaning and preservation of the marble-made baptismal font used in the religious ceremonies.

When the restoration is completed, the chapel will be part of the Francisco Prat Puig Cultural Center at the Saint Basil the Great Seminary, first opened in 1722.

According to Omar Lopez, Curator of the City, the Seminary was the first center for higher studies opened in Cuba and it is the oldest educational building preserved in the country.

More recently the Seminary was united with the next building to make up the La Salle Brothers Catholic School, where brothers Fidel, Raul and Ramon Castro studied.

Because of its patrimonial values, the building was declared National Landmark in 2003.(ACN)