In the realm of art and cultural heritage, comparisons to the Sistine Chapel in Rome are commonplace when discussing extraordinary religious sites. The chapter hall of the Sijena Monastery in Huesca, Spain, is no exception. Recently, Jorge Azcón, the President of Aragon, addressed the Supreme Court's decision requiring Catalonia to return the Romanesque paintings currently housed at the Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). He emphasized the significance of these artworks, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque," in restoring Aragon's cultural patrimony.

The primary concern, however, extends beyond the undeniable beauty and artistic value of the paintings to the readiness of the chapter hall to accommodate them. Experts and regional authorities alike confidently assert that the monastery is fully prepared. Azcón assured that within the 20-day timeline set by the judiciary, the monastery would be in impeccable condition to securely house and eventually display these works. He hinted at a comprehensive technical plan involving the dismantling, transport, conservation, restoration, and exhibition of the paintings, though this initiative has been in motion long before the current administration.

The journey began in 2014 under President Luisa Fernanda Rudi, alongside Dolores Serrat, a Catalan counselor in the Aragon government. They initiated a judicial claim for the paintings' return and commissioned a restoration project for the chapter hall. Completed in January 2017, under Socialist President Javier Lambán, the project involved extensive refurbishments. These included replacing the roof to prevent water leaks, reinforcing diaphragm arches, repairing coatings and carpentry, and upgrading the subterranean chamber with a new climate control system. The goal was to both address the building's structural issues and restore it to its original state, with costs reaching 1,177,000 euros.

Geologist Cristina Marin Chaves, who has studied the stonework of Sijena for 30 years, confirms the hall's readiness. Her insights into the stone's consolidation, climate impacts, and structural evolution bolster the claim. Marin highlights the extensive work done, particularly the climate control measures, essential for preserving the murals. Her sentiments are echoed by historian Marisancho Menjón, author of a book detailing the tumultuous history of Sijena's frescoes, including a devastating fire in 1936. Menjón asserts the hall's preparedness, thanks to both the restoration efforts and state-of-the-art climate systems.

The restoration project, drafted in April 2017, adhered to all current national and international standards and mirrored the environmental conditions of the MNAC gallery to prevent any detrimental changes to the paintings. By December 2018, the restoration was complete, and conditions have been meticulously maintained since. Additionally, the monastery's former dormitory spaces were adapted to meet these stringent requirements, hosting recovered artifacts in the interim.

The Sijena chapter hall—central to the monastery—is a testament to historical grandeur, featuring Mudéjar roofing inspired by Islamic heritage, intricate carpentry between pointed arches, and Romanesque frescoes depicting biblical narratives. Whether deemed the "Aragonese Sistine," its status as a cultural jewel in the Monegros desert is undeniable.

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, political tensions simmer following the Supreme Court ruling. Catalonia's government, led by Socialist Salvador Illa, along with the MNAC, has sidestepped the controversy. However, Carme Ramells, MNAC's head of conservation, raised concerns about the risks associated with transporting the murals. The museum's official stance will emerge following a patronage meeting to review the irreversible judicial decision.