Seventeenth-century church in Milan's periphery faces collapse amid institutional neglect
The San Carlo church in Macconago, Milan, a late Baroque structure from the 17th century, faces imminent collapse. It has remained closed for several years, suffering from inadequate security measures and significant deterioration, including cracks, dislodged bricks, and ivy compromising the bell tower. Since the 1980s, local groups have campaigned to prevent its demolition. A restoration proposal linked to the European Institute of Oncology in 2004 was ignored, and a funding request in 2019 was rejected. Pierfrancesco Maran is being held accountable, while the municipality's website minimizes the crisis. Journalist Claudio Scaccianoce speculated that authorities might prefer the church's collapse to sidestep bureaucratic challenges. Luxottica's recent acquisition of the property could lead to restoration funding, prompting a petition to Mayor Giuseppe Sala for action.
Key facts
- The church of San Carlo in Macconago, Milan, is a 17th-century late Baroque structure.
- The church is deconsecrated, closed, and fenced off, with deteriorated security measures.
- Internal cracks, falling bricks, roof infiltration, and ivy on the bell tower threaten collapse.
- Local associations defended the church from demolition in the 1980s.
- A 2004 municipal document proposed restoration and possible use with the IEO, but no action was taken.
- In 2019, the Parco Sud di Milano association's request was denied due to lack of budget.
- Pierfrancesco Maran is the assessor responsible for the lack of intervention.
- Luxottica, owned by Leonardo Del Vecchio, now owns the church as part of a real estate project.
- Journalist Claudio Scaccianoce accused authorities of hoping for the collapse.
- A petition on Change.org calls for Mayor Giuseppe Sala to save Milan's ancient hamlets.
Entities
Institutions
- Comune di Milano
- Diocesi di Milano
- Istituto Oncologico Europeo (IEO)
- Associazione Parco Sud di Milano
- Luxottica
- Milano Post
- Linkiesta
- Artribune
- Change.org
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Macconago
- Castello di Macconago
- Castello Sforzesco