A giant altar to the Pope's visit

FCC and OHL finance and build the altar of the pope in four winds

A giant altar to the pope's visit

Madrid, 17 ago (EFE) .- OHL, FCC built the altar of the Four Winds aerodrome for the visit of Benedict XVI, a work funded by the two companies and has employed 40 workers on average per day for six weeks both buildersreported today.

The altar of 190 meters long, 21 high and 36 wide, has 4,000 square metersand capacity for 2,200 people. Companies listed the work, designed by architect Ignacio Vicens, required21,000 meters of scaffolding and 500 cubic tons of concrete counterweights as security and to counter the possible effects of wind.

The structure of the altar-shaped "wave or mountain" and has painted morethan 9,000 m2 of rough surfaces in white to get "the effect of an iceberg."

In the central structure has been installed "in tree" to shade his Holiness and the royal family.

The companies stress that has made ​​a "record time" and this is one of the scenarios "largest ever built for such events."

In the various platforms that make up the altar will be located the pope, the royal family, members of the Catholic Church, officials and guests. The platform from which the pope will address the youth is at 3.20 meters tall.

Benedict XVI will celebrate a solemn Mass in Cuatro Vientos aerodrome on Sunday and the day before a prayer vigil there.

FCC and OHL are among the Spanish companies that contribute to World Youth Days, held in Madrid this week.