Cecilia Jiménez, whose name is forever linked to the extraordinary story of the painting restoration in Borja, has passed away at the age of 94. What began as an act that sparked a wave of ridicule later became a symbol of human sincerity and even brought unexpected benefits to the local community. Looking back at the events of 2012, it’s clear how a single unexpected gesture changed the fate of a small Spanish town.
In early summer 2012, Cecilia, then an elderly resident of Borja and an avid art lover, decided to restore the fresco ‘Ecce Homo’ by Elías García Martínez in the Santuario de la Misericordia on her own. Although she had no professional conservation training, she was confident she could revive the painting. However, the result was so unexpected that within days, a photo of the renovated image went viral worldwide.
Viral Fame
The days following the unveiling were a real ordeal for Cecilia. Thousands of jokes and memes flooded the internet, and the work was nicknamed ‘Ecce Mono’—’Behold the Monkey.’ Many in Borja and across Spain struggled to accept what had happened, and Jiménez herself took the wave of criticism hard. She repeatedly emphasized that the restoration was unfinished and never expected her actions to attract such global attention.
Over time, however, attitudes toward Cecilia changed. People began to see her not just as the author of an unsuccessful restoration, but as someone who acted with good intentions. Sympathy—and even warmth—began to replace criticism. The town of Borja suddenly found itself in the global spotlight, attracting both tourists and media from around the world.
A tourism phenomenon
Ever since the unveiled fresco appeared in the Sanctuary of Mercy, visitors eager to see the ‘masterpiece’ with their own eyes have continued to flock in. Over just a few years, visitor numbers soared, turning Borja into a true tourist sensation. People traveled from different countries to take photos with the famed work and see its uniqueness for themselves.
Ticket sales for the sanctuary became the main source of income for the local charity—the Hospital Sancti Spiritus y Santuario de la Misericordia Foundation. All proceeds were used to improve living conditions for the elderly and to develop infrastructure. In this way, Cecilia’s mistake ended up bringing real benefits to those who needed support most.
Recent years
In her final years, Cecilia Giménez was cared for by staff at the nursing home run by the sanctuary, where she passed away after a long illness. Despite her health problems, Borja’s residents remembered her as someone with a big heart and an extraordinary strength of spirit. Many praised her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help those around her.
The death of Cecilia became a significant event for all of Spain. In Borja, she is remembered as a woman who, unintentionally, changed the life of an entire town. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected actions can bring about change, and that mistakes can sometimes mark the beginning of something new.
