I wrote this post nearly four years ago, but I found it interesting enough to share again.
While driving through Tuscany, I felt compelled to stop and capture a photo of this charming, old abandoned church. Though small, it was quite ornate. As I admired the façade, I found myself wondering how many abandoned churches exist in Italy. Given its status as the heart of the Catholic Church, it’s not surprising that Italy has thousands of churches. I recently read that the estimated number is around 26,000, though I’m unsure of the reliability of this source.
The ongoing economic struggles in Italy, combined with challenges within the Catholic Church and a general decline in attendance, have led to the deconsecration of thousands of churches. Many of these are sold to private buyers who convert them into nightclubs, theaters, banks, and even car repair shops.
Below is an article about a family who purchased an abandoned church and transformed it into their home ~ Article from The New York Times magazine.
Massimo Vitali Moves Into a 14th-Century Church
Local photographer Andrea Di Martino documented 70 former churches. Here are a few notable examples:
1. **Madonna della Neve Church** in Como – Deconsecrated in the 1950s, it was sold and converted into a successful auto repair shop by its new owners.
2. **St. Philomena Church** – Located in the port town of Ugento, this church is now used for court hearings.
3. **Santa Lucia Church** in Montescaglioso – Now a gathering place for sports fans, its walls display football posters, and a Ping-Pong table occupies the former altar space.
4. **Church in Salerno** – Established in 1000 AD, it now houses a local medical school museum.
5. **Santa Sabina Church** – Completed in 1063, it has been a bank for the past 40 years.
6. **Former Church of Santa Teresa** in Milan – Built in 1694, it has been transformed into a multi-level library.
7. **Church in Viareggio** – Deconsecrated in 1977, it is now a pizzeria named ‘La Chiesina’ (The Church).
Church deconsecration typically occurs due to structural concerns or a significant decline in attendance. These former places of worship are often sold quickly, thanks to their solid construction, high ceilings, and prime locations in town.
The Mass is Ended, an award-winning photographic series by Andrea Di Martino, showcases deconsecrated churches in their new lives. Click here to explore more.
