Unused churches: a resource for the future

Abstract

This paper deals with the issue concerning the increasing number of redundant churches, all of which have lost their original use. For these places there is either the prospect of a new use, or a slow process of decay which can ultimately end up in a sale, or demolition. This problem is faced today with singular urgency in Europe, where it determines an increased risk of decay of much of the historical-artistic heritage, together with the abandonment of the countryside and mountain locations and a progressive desertion of historical town centres. The paper examines many aspects of the issue comparing the different legal frameworks and the documents of some national episcopal assemblies on the subject. Finally it concentrates on the situation in Italy, making some concluding remarks about future prospects and possible solutions to some of the more serious aspects of the issue.