Michael Kramer from The Gilders' Studio in Maryland prepares the dome's cross for the gold to be applied, above the panorama of the Old City of Jerusalem with the Mount of Olives in the background. The square spire on the right is the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
The gold is applied in sheets of 23-and-a-half carat gold, which is then brushed smooth and polished. US $7,000 alone was used on the cross. The rays on the interior of the dome were similarly covered with gold.
Chief project manager Marcos Nino and Michael Kramer survey the finished work on the cross.
Inside the decorated dome is complete, awaiting its unveiling to the public at the inaugaration at 10:00am local time (GMT+2hrs) on January 2nd, 1997.
