Repeated vandalism against Cathedral Bitonto
Acts of vandalism have been reported in Piazza Cattedrale, where the Cathedral façade and a historic obelisk were damaged during an incident involving repeated impacts with a motorcycle helmet involving minors.
On the evening of 17 April 2026, acts of vandalism were carried out in Piazza Cattedrale in Bitonto, targeting both the façade of the cathedral located in the square and a historic baroque obelisk dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. According to reconstruction, a group of minors used an orange full-face helmet, reportedly stolen, which they repeatedly threw against the cathedral’s façade and decorative elements, including sculptural figures such as griffins.
After multiple impacts, the group climbed the baroque obelisk and placed the damaged helmet onto the head of a decorative cherub figure at the top of the monument. The incident was filmed by bystanders using mobile phones, and the footage was later acquired by the State Police for investigative purposes.
Local police units identified those involved. Reports indicate that the minors reacted verbally to the intervention of officers. The case is now under review by both social services and the Juvenile Court of Bari, which had previously applied educational or corrective measures in relation to some of the individuals involved.
"A serious episode to be condemned", the local mayor stressed.
Source: dabitonto, lagazzettadelmezzogiorno
Photo: dabitonto