Since Spring 2025, the Gelati Wall Painting Treatment Programme at the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary has resumed following the winter break.

The remedial treatment programme, developed since March 2024, includes the stabilisation of critical areas, general consolidation works, and the development of additional treatment methodologies.

The treatments are based on scientific research and diagnostic studies of the wall paintings, including analyses of biological factors, salt presence, and environmental conditions. In parallel with ongoing research, the remedial treatment programme is being revised. Treatments are first developed in the laboratory and then applied in situ.  

Remedial treatments include:

• Consolidation and micro-grouting of fragmented and decohered plaster

• Injection grouting of delaminated/separated plasters

• Removal of previous dysfunctional and damaging repair materials (gypsum- and lime-based)

• Filling and edge repair of exposed and loose plaster

• Paint layer stabilisation

• Mechanical reduction/removal of salts

Since Spring 2025, trials have been conducted for salt extraction interventions, aimed at reducing the salt content within the wall painting structure.

Between Spring 2024 and Spring 2025, remedial treatments have been undertaken in the following areas of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary:

• Main space: pendentives, arches, north arm, and targeted spots in the west and south arms

• Narthex: vault

• North-west chapel: north wall (dado level), southern part of the vault and north wall

• North-east chapel: north wall (dado level)

Treatments in the above-mentioned areas are ongoing.

Please refer to the detailed plan in the renewed Wall Painting Conservation Programme 2025 - Link

Detailed report and graphic documentation of the Wall Painting Remedial treatment Programme 2024 - 2025 spring - Link