12th century Templar Chapel vandalised

Case information
Incident date
Country
Italy
Place
San Giusto Canavese
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Chapel
Place of Incident
  • Chapel
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Wiki Commons

In a disturbing act of vandalism, unknown perpetrators broke into the historic chapel of San Giacomo di Ruspaglia, situated between the municipalities of San Giorgio Canavese and San Giusto. The intruders forced open the door, smeared wax on the altar, and threw candles at the interior frescoes, causing visible damage.

The Mayor of San Giorgio, Giosi Boggio, strongly condemned the act: “This sacred place, rich in history and meaning for our community, should be treated with the utmost respect and veneration. I am deeply hurt and scandalised by the vile and despicable act that has struck our little church.” He added that such vandalism “not only damages a thousand-year-old place of worship, but also offends the sense of respect and devotion that we should all have.”

The chapel, dating back to the second half of the 12th century and historically linked to the Knights Templar, holds deep cultural and religious significance for the local community.

An investigation is underway.

Sources