This restoration reveals the story carved into the façade of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Biar, from the Nativity to the Holy Innocents. A careful intervention, funded by the Ministry of Culture, employed advanced methods at different phases of cleaning and consolidation. Techniques included laser applications and aluminum silicate microprojection to recover the beauty of a façade that bears multiple plaster layers from earlier conservation efforts.
A member of the restoration team uses a laser beam to remove surface impurities from the Biar church façade, part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage.
Built between the years 1519 and 1521, the entrance is organized like an altar with a balustrade, divided into two sections that culminate in a scene titled The Coronation of Mary. The structural elements showcase an Italian repertoire, reflecting classical motifs that have proliferated through chandeliers, cameos, scallops, and mythological figures.
The description of the work carried out was discussed in an interview conducted by Biar Culture House with the IPCE, featuring the deputy director general and restorer Joanna Ruiz. The project spanned many years, beginning with the first proposals in 2014, through stone analysis and documentation, and culminating in the final restoration completed in late 2022. The initial study indicated the façade began deteriorating soon after construction, and the investigation relied on historical imagery from local residents and IPCE to understand the building’s history.
Before the intervention, demonstrations took place. In 2008 the City Council reformed Constitution Square with a new sidewalk, added a rain gutter to manage moisture, created a space to address dampness on the façade, and installed new lighting to illuminate the monument at night.
During the June 2022 phase, the team documented deterioration factors through qualitative and quantitative analyses of stone composition and microstructure. Trials tested the effectiveness of different restoration treatments while monitoring biodegradation on the façade. The cleaning combined mechanical and chemical methods, with laser treatment reserved for targeted areas and sensitive points.
Restoration of the Biar church’s façade begins this month, after nine years of demand.
Climate, vegetation, and bird activity have accelerated the decay. Airborne pollutants, lichens, and droppings have compromised the stone, while cracks and missing mortar joints allowed moisture to penetrate. Thick plaster layers were removed to reveal the original carved details, a moment described by the restorer as a revelation of the façade’s true beauty.
Ioanna Ruiz emphasized that the statue of St. Christopher embodies many issues in one element. Dirt, stone fragmentation, cracks, and unevenness in volume required careful support and anchorage using fiberglass rods to stabilize the piece during restoration.
The total investment for restoring this façade reached 197,811.08 euros, with funding provided by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute. The project involved the collaboration of the local government, IPCE, and the company responsible for execution.
Laser beams were instrumental in the restoration, allowing precise removal of deposits while preserving delicate stonework. The deputy director general of the IPCE highlighted the institute’s mission to protect Spain’s outstanding heritage in a sustainable manner that respects municipal communities. The project also underscored IPCE’s role as a principal arm of the Ministry of Culture and Sports in heritage research, protection, and restoration.
The mayor of Biar expressed gratitude for the long-awaited work and recalled that the process began with a public action held in the Casa de Cultura in 2013. The restoration marks a milestone in safeguarding the temple for future generations, integrating modern methods with historical sensitivity.
Conservation efforts extended to the surrounding Constitution Square, reinforcing the urban context and ensuring the façade remains visible and appreciated by residents and visitors alike. The restoration emphasizes the value of architectural details from the Valencian Renaissance, reinforcing Biar as a landmark in the Alto Vinalopó region.
The project continues to reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while balancing sustainability and community needs. It stands as a testament to the collaboration between local authorities, national heritage bodies, and specialized restoration institutions, ensuring a lasting legacy for the church and its story.