$12 million cathedral restoration approved

THE $12 million restoration of the Santa Maria la Antigua Cathedral in Casco Viejo has received the go-ahead.

On Friday, the government gave the order to proceed with the million design, development, preparation and restoration of the historic church.

National Institute of Culture (INAC) Director Juan Francisco Guerrero said studies on the project would begin Monday. He said the project will be closely monitored to ensure it protects the integrity of the structure reports La Prensa.

“The most important thing is that the work is carried out with transparency,” he said.

Ricardo Gago, Chairman of the Friends Committee of the Churches of Casco Antiguo, said that it will be important that the project be finished in the established timeline, which is two years.

Once the project is finished, it will cost another $6 million to fully equip the church.