Another statue of Mary found deliberately decapitated in Coppito
On 17 August 2026, a statue of Mary was found decapitated in the Murata Gigotti park in Coppito. The vandalism caused indignation among local residents and municipal representatives, who see the incident as an attack on the community culture as well as religious symbolism. The incident followed a similar attack on Ischia the previous day. Law enforcement are investigating the incident to identify those responsible.
On 17 August 2026, a statue of the Virgin Mary was found decapitated at Murata Gigotti Park in Coppito, L'Aquila. The head was removed from the statue, and the statue was subsequently removed from its base and placed against the tree on which it had stood.
The incident provoked indignation among residents and people who regularly use the park, including students, young people and tourists. According to a Facebook post from a community member, the incident is not only a "simple act of vandalism", but an attack on "our identity, our culture, and the sensibilities of an entire spiritual community." The post also called for collective protection and defence "for places of worship and religious symbols," which means "defending religious freedom, civil coexistence and cultural heritage." Further, a municipal councillor condemned the incident, stating: "Decapitating the statue of the Madonna in Coppito is not just a prank." She described it as “a vile act,” and said that the statue represented a presence familiar to people who live in or pass through Coppito, beyond its religious significance.
A similar incident of a statue being decapitated occurred the previous day on Ischia (OIDAC reported).
A small replacement statue of the Madonna, accompanied by candles and votive objects, was placed beside the damaged statue the following day. Law-enforcement authorities are investigating the incident and examining surveillance-camera footage in an effort to identify those responsible. The statue is to be restored.
Image: Social Media