The restoration of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre has entered its final stage, focusing on the installation of pending stained glass windows, painting tasks, and the recovery of sculptures and other heritage pieces.
On Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba announced via Facebook that finishing touches are being applied to the exterior areas, with the painting of the church nearing completion.
"The outlook is already significantly different," remarked the religious institution, contrasting the current state of the shrine with the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa less than a year ago.
Experts in stained glass from the Havana Historian's Office are diligently placing the last of the restored pieces and overseeing the proper installation of protective glass coverings.
Sculptors from the same institution are also preparing the return of the marble angel, knocked down by the hurricane and becoming one of the most striking and widely shared images in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
The efforts include positioning the angel, performing several touch-ups, and restoring other marble and bronze pieces preserved at the shrine.
Local workers are applying specialized paint in both the interior and exterior zones of the temple, despite the intense heat conditions during the workdays.
All activities are carefully overseen by the Investment Department of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, which has coordinated the various phases of restoring the country's main Marian shrine.
The initiative began following the severe damage inflicted on the Shrine of El Cobre by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 during its passage through eastern Cuba.
The cyclone damaged over 80% of the stained glass, some of which were completely destroyed, and also harmed sculptures, windows, walls, and other parts of the building.
Among the most affected pieces was one of the marble angels that guarded the basilica's rear entrance. The statue fell from its pedestal and shattered, prompting specialists from the Havana Historian's Office to begin its meticulous reconstruction.
The restoration of the angel, conducted with the participation of sculptor José Duverger Aliaga, was completed in February. Specialists are now set to return the piece to the shrine and perform the necessary touch-ups.
The restoration of the stained glass began months earlier. Camagüey artists David and Damián Sánchez Prieto, from the Daluz Studio-Workshop, undertook the reconstruction of several damaged pieces, while other professionals from the Historian's Office handled additional windows.
The upper stained glass was reinstalled in April, although pieces from the lower section of the temple remained pending. These are now part of the tasks nearing completion.
The restoration project also included carpentry work, repairs to the second-floor roof, and entrance access improvements to the religious complex.
Young participants from the Ugo Luisi Workshop School in Santiago de Cuba contributed to the repair of damaged structures, while a Holguín-based company worked on replacing wooden elements.
The main staircase regained its nighttime illumination in March, following the repair of its walls, lamps, and lighting fixtures.
This is how one of the most cherished sites in Cuban collective memory is gradually regaining its usual state, beauty, and spiritual significance after the severe damage caused by the hurricane.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Restoration of El Cobre Shrine
What is the current status of the restoration at El Cobre Shrine?
The restoration is in its final phase, focusing on stained glass installations, painting, and sculpture recovery.
Who is overseeing the restoration efforts?
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba's Investment Department is supervising the entire restoration process.
What caused the damage to the El Cobre Shrine?
Hurricane Melissa, which hit eastern Cuba in October 2025, caused extensive damage to the shrine.