The church of Sant Llorenç, located in the municipality of Das, reopened its doors this Monday, August 10th, with a new interior design. After being closed for seven years, the temple inaugurates an artwork that turns it into a night sky, inspired by the Perseid meteor shower, popularly known as the tears of Saint Lawrence.
The transformation is the work of Cerdanya-based painter Penélope Clot, who explains the idea originated from a dream where she imagined painting her village's church. The inauguration, held on the Feast of Saint Lawrence, the town's patron saint, was attended by the Bishop of Urgell, Josep Lluís Serrano, and drew a large crowd.
The project, driven by the Municipality of Das in collaboration with the Diocese of Urgell, culminates after four years of restoration. Initiated in 2021, it received support from administrations, businesses, and residents, as well as the Bosch Aymerich Foundation. Sisters Penélope and Danae Clot were central figures in the interior's design and creation.
This contemporary artistic intervention, with the Perseids as its theme, marks a new chapter for the building, connecting the church's name, the patron saint's feast, and the landscape of Cerdanya. The August sky, once viewed from outside, is now painted overhead for visitors.
This decoration introduces a dialogue between Romanesque heritage and contemporary art, unusual for the religious sites in Cerdanya. Penélope Clot, born in Das, has expressed her connection to the region's identity through this project, highlighting the "knowing glances" received during the inauguration.
The artist expressed gratitude to the team that supported her and emphasized the importance of her roots in Das, where she works from her studio in the family's former stable. Her artistic training includes Japanese lacquer techniques and engraving, with a body of work linked to the natural environment.
