The issue of returning the famous Romanesque frescoes from the monastery of Sijena has once again come to the forefront. The management of the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, MNAC) has called on the Ministry of Culture of Spain to join discussions about the future of these unique murals. The legal battle over their fate has dragged on for more than ten years, and the Supreme Court’s (Tribunal Supremo) final decision has yet to be enforced.
The museum insists that the primary state authority on cultural heritage matters must be involved in deciding the procedure for the frescoes’ return. Previously, MNAC sought an independent expert opinion from the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España (IPCE), as was done in the Dama de Elche (Dama de Elche) case, but at that time the ministry did not respond to the request.
Expert Commission
Currently, a judge from Huesca has proposed forming a special commission of experts to develop recommendations for returning the frescoes. The commission would include representatives from the three administrations represented on the MNAC board of trustees: the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat), the Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona), and the Ministry of Culture through the IPCE. There is also discussion about involving international organizations such as UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, and specialized institutions from the UK, Italy, and Switzerland.
MNAC emphasizes that relocating the frescoes could pose a serious threat to their preservation. Experts estimate that over 700 vulnerable spots have been identified across 134 square meters of artwork, and any intervention could further deteriorate their condition. For this reason, the museum insists on an extremely cautious approach and the involvement of independent specialists.
A long road to resolution
The legal dispute over the return of the Sijena frescoes has been ongoing for more than ten years. In 2024, Spain’s Supreme Court finally ruled that the murals must be returned to the monastery, but the handover process has stalled due to disagreements between the parties. Many believe that establishing an expert commission may further delay the court’s decision from being carried out.
At the same time, MNAC representatives believe that without thorough preparation and input from all interested parties, moving the frescoes could cause irreversible damage to this unique monument. The question of how exactly the frescoes will be dismantled, packed, and transported remains unresolved.
International significance
The significance of the Sijena frescoes extends far beyond Spain. These murals are considered among the finest examples of European Romanesque art. That is why not only national, but also international experts are being called upon to discuss their fate. Potential members of the commission include organizations such as UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, as well as institutions from the UK, Italy, and Switzerland.
The commission will be tasked with developing recommendations for all stages of returning the frescoes: from dismantling to packing and transportation. In addition, experts must determine the optimal timing and conditions for carrying out these operations in order to minimize the risk to the paintings.
Awaiting a Decision
While discussions between the parties continue, the fate of the frescoes remains uncertain. There is still no clear answer as to when and how they will return to the Monasterio de Sijena. For MNAC, the involvement of the Ministry of Culture and international organizations is a key factor in ensuring that this unique monument is preserved for future generations.
