Dome of the Church of Escuelas Pias of Valencia
The Dome of the Church of Escuelas Pías in Valencia is one of the largest masonry domes in Spain, spanning 24.5 metres and covering around 1,000 m². Built in the 18th century as part of the Piarist school complex (“Real Colegio de las Escuelas Pías”), it is a defining element of Valencia’s skyline and belongs to the European tradition of monumental domed architecture that emerged in the Renaissance.
Before the intervention, the dome was in a critical condition. Four major cracks ran through the shell and drum. Water infiltration had damaged the interior finishes, roof tiles were fractured or missing, and the lantern openings had been sealed. The initiative to restore the dome originated within the Piarist community and local partners.
Detailed surveys used 3D laser scanning, drone photography and thermal imaging. A one-to-one test section and a smaller masonry model were built to study repair methods before intervention.
The dome’s 32,000 blue glazed and traditional ‘river’ tiles were examined individually. Around 7,000 tiles had to be replaced. A chromatic study identified different shades of blue, which were reproduced through artisanal manufacture. Cracks were injected with lime grout and – to improve seismic resistance – selected bands and ribs were reinforced externally with lime mortar and basalt fibre mesh.
The reopening of the lantern restored natural light to the interior. Sunlight once again reaches the altar. The lantern has also regained its original polychromy and the dome’s ornamentation was restored.
The project also introduced continuous monitoring. Sensors measure temperature, humidity, CO₂ and structural movement. Through 3D documentation and modelling, a digital twin of the dome supports long-term maintenance. The project’s research has been incorporated into a regional heritage programme in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
The works were carried out between 2018 and 2025, with funding provided in successive stages by the Government of Valencia and the Spanish Government.
During the restoration, the church remained active as a place of worship. The restoration process was opened to the public through seminars, guided visits and an exhibition that attracted 46,000 visitors. The project also contributed to the vitality of the parish and its local context.
Inspired by the dome restoration, the initiative “Tiles for the Dana” (“Teules per la Dana”) reuses clay and silt collected after the 2024 Dana storm to produce handcrafted tiles for charitable purposes.
The Awards’ Jury remarked: “This highly complex intervention, both technically and organisationally, was successfully delivered through a rigorous multidisciplinary approach. Initiated at the local level, it combines structural innovation with advanced research integrated into a regional heritage programme.”
Contact: Luis Cortés Meseguer | Architect/Universitat Politècnica de València | luicorme@upv.es