A bit of history
The Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior, dedicated to Saint Catherine the Martyr and Saint Seraphim of Sarov, was built in the early 20th century in San Remo, at a time when the city hosted a significant Russian community attracted by its climate and thermal baths. This community wanted a place of worship that reflected their spiritual and artistic tradition.
The first stone was laid in 1912 near the Passeggiata Imperatrice, named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna of Russia. The project was initially entrusted to the Russian architect Aleksej Scusev, but the work was ultimately directed by the Italian engineer Pietro Agosti, who adapted the plans to local resources.
Completed in 1913, the church was solemnly inaugurated on December 23 of the same year. It has since become a lasting symbol of the Russian presence in San Remo and a remarkable example of Eastern religious architecture integrated into the Ligurian landscape.
PROJECT
The contract involved the conservative restoration of the façades and the coverings of the side domes and the central dome of the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior, Saint Catherine the Martyr and Saint Seraphim of Sarov.
The coverings of the five onion-shaped domes (or lanterns), made of concrete coated with ceramic — polychrome for the smaller ones, gilded for the main one — were in an advanced state of degradation. Many molded parts of the façades were also affected by detachment and risked falling due to water infiltration that had oxidized the iron reinforcements and caused the decorative concrete to crack in several places.
Implementation
Restorers mapped the surfaces to be treated and meticulously cataloged the detached or at-risk fragments, especially the decorative concrete elements exposed to the air due to rusted metal bars.
The first operation involved treating the reinforcements with a passivating product. Then, the missing parts were rebuilt using stuccowork and plastic integration, along with bonding and anchoring the reconstructed sections.
Durable solution
Prompt cement proved ideal for this type of work due to its intrinsic properties: rapid setting, full compatibility with ancient materials, and aesthetic qualities.
Natural Prompt cement comes from an exclusive quarry in the Chartreuse massif and is a Vicat group exclusivity. It complies with French standard NF P 15-314 and received a European Technical Assessment (ETA) in 2007.
Stakeholders
Project owner:
Parish of Christ the Savior, Saint Catherine the Martyr and Saint Seraphim of Sarov
Project director:
Arch. Laura Re
Contractor:
Formento Filippo Carlo s.r.l
