Sixteenth-Century Church Damaged in Attack on Historic Frescoes
A sixteenth-century church near Galatina was vandalised after intruders forced entry and damaged protected frescoes. The attack caused harm to valuable religious artwork safeguarded under Italian heritage protection laws, prompting a criminal investigation.
The Rock Church of Madonna della Grotta, a historic underground church located near Galatina in southern Italy, was targeted in a serious act of vandalism that damaged protected sixteenth-century frescoes. The incident was reported by the family that owns the site after discovering signs of forced entry and damage within the monument.
According to investigators, unknown perpetrators broke the padlock securing the entrance gate and created an opening in part of the structure, causing sections of the historic frescoes on the interior walls to detach and suffer damage. The artworks are protected under the supervision of Italy's Superintendence for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape due to their historical and cultural significance.
Specialist conservation personnel carried out an initial technical assessment to evaluate the extent of the damage, while the financial cost of restoration remains under examination. The Carabinieri of Galatina have launched an investigation.
Source: lecceprima
Photo: comune.galatina