Giotto frescoes restored in Florence’s Bardi Chapel

A four-year restoration project of Giotto’s ‘Stories of Saint Francis’ in the Bardi Chapel of the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence has been completed. The intervention, led by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in collaboration with the Opera di Santa Croce, aims to provide a clearer view of the painter’s revolutionary use of space and expressive intensity.

Scientific investigations and digital mapping have revealed previously hidden elements, including preparatory incisions and lines used by Giotto to construct the scenes. The restoration also included cleaning the vault, which recovered illegible details of the Franciscan Virtues, specifically Obedience and Chastity.

The project highlights the technical differences between Giotto and other painters active in the workshop, offering new insights into the organization of the studio. The restored frescoes are now fully accessible to international visitors.