Repeated Vandalism at Bertesina Church

Case information
Incident date
Country
Italy
Place
Bertesina
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
Reported to Police
  • Unknown
Response of Local Authorities
  • Unknown
Image credit: Pixabay

In August 2024, unknown vandals damaged the Church of Bertesina (Vicenza) by smashing several high-set stained glass windows, likely by throwing stones. The attack was reported in the parish bulletin and occurred shortly after the church had completed the restoration of statues above the main entrance—an effort that had cost €3,500.

Parish officials suspect the perpetrators accessed an elevated metal staircase on the side of the church to reach the windows. The incident follows previous structural damage when the entrance statues had crumbled and were later restored and secured with safety netting. The repeated acts of vandalism have caused concern among parishioners, especially as the church had just resumed full use of its main entrance. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Sources