The restoration of iconic Capilla del Rosario located at the northwest edge of the Ajijic plaza has progressed at a steady pace, reports Josué Ramos, the local architect in charge of the project.
So far, the basic structure of the tiny stone chapel has been repaired and reinforced, with all the cracks found in the ceiling vaults and walls uncovered, cleaned and injected with fill. Loose material been removed from the roof and the interior. New brick roofing tiles have been installed and the interior plastering repaired.
Over the coming week, the roof will be waterproofed with an ecological compound called aluja made from a mixture of soap, water and alum.
The next major task will be shoring up the foundations of the 17th Century building. That will entail digging down beneath the chapel to strengthen its understructure.
Under current conditions, Ramos says the capilla will not be ready for the return of its prime occupant, an antique statue of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, when traditional festivities in her honor wrap up on October 31. The figure of the Virgin has resided at the San Andrés church since the chapel was closed to the public three years ago as a precaution against the possibility of collapse due to damages.