This project is the result of a profound reflection on the memory and work of Pope John XXI – “Pietro Spano” – who joined two cities, two languages, two countries around him. Through this union it was possible to find the solution and placement, inside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence in Viterbo (IT), of the new Mausoleum dedicated to Him, whose only objective was to honor and dignify the Supreme Pontiff Portuguese.

The structural problems of the chosen place (left side wall of the Cathedral Nave, transept area) and the duty to preserve/integrate sculptural elements of remarkable artistic value, suggested a projecttual attitude of great sensitivity and respect for the styles in presence.

The monument consists of elements from different eras: the new ark, of simple lines, containing the remains of the Pope, and the ancient stone that represents the Pope in a jacente position; while the low-relief tabernacle, of remarkable artistic interest, located behind the sarcophagus, becomes an integral part of the new architectural framework.

The ark, in a softened stone of lioz (which characterizes the city of Lisbon by its luminosity) is sustained inside by a stainless steel structure, which allowed to create a hollow space for the placement of the zinc box with the remains of Pope John XXI.

Thus, it was possible to substantially reduce the weight (the monument was initially conceived as monolithic, hypothesis quickly abandoned for technical reasons), guaranteed the function of structural element of the part.

The ancient stone representing the Pope in a jacente position is from Peperino (grey tuft); she is leaning on a block of massive Lioz, hollow inside, and brings on the front front main the date of the Pontificate of the Pope and the verse dedicated to Him by Dante Alighieri in divine comedy: “… Pietro Spano / lo qual giù luce in dodici libelli…” (Dante Alighieri, Par. XII).