The Crypt of Saint Mary of the Angels, dating back to around the year 1000, after a long period of worship activity, began to be neglected and fell into disuse in the 15th century. Centuries of neglect followed. In 1929, during an excavation, it was accidentally rediscovered and restored, thus regaining its original appearance. However, the widespread and irreparable dampness of the walls and the looming threat of mold made it necessary to detach the frescoes, which were removed from their original location and taken to the Central Institute of Restoration in Rome. Restored and exhibited at various exhibitions, the frescoes returned to their homeland, Poggiardo, where they found a worthy place in a museum, established by the will of the then Mayor Raffaele Pascarito, located in the Municipal Villa in Piazza G. Episcopo and inaugurated on June 12, 1975. The crypt, meticulously and faithfully restored, has finally been brought back to its ancient splendor thanks also to the installation, in the original locations, of artistic and durable copies made of fireproof polystyrene of the original paintings. Today, it is therefore possible not only to admire the restored original frescoes, kept in the modern museum of the Municipal Villa, but also to visit the ancient Crypt with the valuable copies, located in Via Don Minzoni.
Information about the Museum of the Frescoes of the Crypt of S. Maria degli Angeli
Piazza Episcopio,
73030 Poggiardo (Lecce)
0836909812
segreteriagenerale@poggiardo.com
https://www.poggiardo.com
Source: MIBACT
