Seven million euros needed to fix Malaga Cathedral's leaky roof

The Diocese of Malaga estimates that it will cost seven million euros to secure the cathedral's roof and prevent it from leaking in the long term.

Last week the Diocese handed over its detailed plan to the Regional Ministry of Culture, the body that will decide whether or not to undertake it. It proposes the construction of a gable roof which was included in original plans drawn up by architect Ventura Rodríguez in 1764 but never constructed.

The new design is made up of a structure of laminated wood and steel that can be visited inside and out, and which will be covered with glazed ceramic tiles in two colours, honey and cream, to resemble the roofs of both El Sagrario church and the Episcopal palace.

The current 'Catalan style' solution to the leakage problem, formed by a skin of lead sheeting covered with bricks installed in 2009 has not had the desired result and enormous cracks have opened up, a result of a rapid deterioration of the vaults, both inside and out.

Architects Juan Manuel Sánchez La Chica and Adolfo de la Torre Prieto say that the new roof, which will be supported by the main structure of the building and not the existing roof (which will remain in place), will barely be noticeable from ground level.