Friul Mosaic and the largest Marian Sanctuary in the world

Friul Mosaic and the largest Marian Sanctuary in the world

Two thousand square meters of surface to be covered. 1,600 hours for the design and sectioning of the sheets. 280 hours for the design. 12 thousand hours for the processing. 14 thousand sheets of mosaic made. These are the incredible numbers achieved by Friul Mosaic for the creation of a grandiose work. The company was in fact chosen to create the mosaics of the large dome of the Santuario Nacional Nossa Senhora de Conceiçao Aparecida in São Paulo, Brazil.

With over 18 thousand square meters of covered surface, the one in Aparecida is the largest Marian sanctuary in the world and can hold up to 70 thousand faithful. The sanctuary, the annual seat of the Synod of Brazilian Bishops, represents the meeting point for all the churches of South America and has already enjoyed three papal visits.

Friul Mosaic’s intervention involved the dome covered with enamel and gold mosaics (strictly Italian, supplied by the Orsoni company of Venice) that interpret the works of the Brazilian artist Claudio Pastro. The Aparecida mosaic has continuously involved 8 people including mosaicists, designers and installers since 2012.

“The Brazilian acquisition is the result of application, determination and great commitment on our part to maintain constant, on a large scale, the standards of excellence that distinguish us,” said Barbara Bertoia, CEO of the company. “The sanctuary of Aparecida,” she added, “represents an important icon for all of Catholic South America and, thanks to us, will bring the Made in Italy brand to its dome.”