(ANSA) - Padua, August 28 - Lightning apparently struck the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel almost three weeks ago, damaging its internal electrical system, including lights, security and humidity control, the mayor of the northern city of Padua said Thursday. Massimo Bitonci said that technicians have inspected the roof of the chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other parts of the historic building for potential damage after a bolt of lightning apparently hit, likely during a storm on August 9. Earlier, critics said they feared priceless early 14th century frescoes painted by the master Giotto might have been damaged, and complained that information had not provided to the public about the incident. It was not clear if the fresco cycle, completed in about 1305, was damaged in what Giotto expert Giuliano Pisani called "a serious incident".
Pisani, a former city councilor for cultural affairs, said it was "absolutely outrageous" that the incident was only now becoming publicly known. Bitonci said that assessments were being done of the extent of the damage and cost of repairs. Stone from the façade of the chapel was reportedly partially damaged and an iron cross - which Pisani said dates from the chapel's earliest days - was removed after it was in danger of falling from the damaged façade. It was not clear if a lightning rod on the roof took the brunt of the strike, or if lightening struck that cross. The chapel, which was commissioned by banker Enrico Scrovegni, contains two very large fresco cycles covering three walls from floor to ceiling. These depict the Life of Christ and the Life of the Virgin and are considered to be among the most important masterpieces of Western art.
The site has also been known as the Arena Chapel because it was constructed by Scrovegni on land that was adjacent to a historic Roman arena.