PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE RECENT RESTORATIONS, PART 1 High resolution versions of the new dome photographs are available by clicking on the images below Permission to reprint the high resoulution photographs can be obtained by faxing +972-2-627-3777
In the last few months, as thousands of pilgrims and tourists daily visit the tomb of Jesus, many are curious about the canvas sheet stretched across the dome above.
The scaffolding that has been a ubiquitous part of the Holy Sepulchre has gone, and the dome has only awaited the unveiling ceremony at 10:00am on 2 January 1997, in the presence of Jerusalem church heads, Israeli and Palestinian representatives and dignitaries, and the media.
Some of the last photographs to be taken before the temporary floor was removed, showing the new decorations in the final stages.
Over two million US dollars have been spent on the two-year decorative process, made possible by a gift from a donor in the United States. Everyone on the renovation team has been waiting for the day of the unveiling with great expectation.
Members of the renovation team pose beneath the dome during a test of the lights. The lighting, clear in the coming photographs, has been carefully designed to enhance the dome decorations at different times of the day and night, as well as during the various holy festivals.
The dome has also been fitted with a complex ventilation system to divert smoke away from the decorations during candlelit ceremonies held in the presence of many thousands of Christians during the year.
