My 36 Photos Document The Italian Abandoned Churches’ Decline
Many civilizations place a strong emphasis on the church. To share happiness, tranquility, or solace, they serve as gathering places. They also fit into the townscape unlike almost any other structure, therefore it is understandable why they are frequently referred to as landmarks. Many of them date back several centuries, and we do our best to maintain them. These ancient cathedrals do, however, have a shelf life, just like anything else that was created by humans. Different factors led to the degradation of churches, mosques, and other structures.
Particularly in the strongly religious nation of Italy, there are many abandoned structures, including churches, which is partly because the nation has frequently been struck by natural disasters. The historic structures have worth that transcends religion, which makes it really depressing to watch. Some of them are true Italian architectural, decorative, and craftsmanship masterpieces. Beautiful spots to visit before they disappear.
I’ve written a short tale about it, and it keeps coming back to me as I capture these intriguing images of deserted locations. This time, I figured I’d let you explore a bit more of my world:
His generally unflappable nature is revealed as an old man with glassy eyes as he reaches for his rosary and is overtaken with melancholy. His modest home is quite plain. A Bible is placed on the bedside table, and there is a creaking hardwood floor, an antique bed with a cross of Jesus hanging over it, and bare plastered walls. Although he was a poor old man who was frequently found in Italy’s historic mountain communities, he was not just any old man.
For almost 40 years, Father Danielle served as the pastor of a small village in the Campania region of southern Italy. He was a pastor, chaplain, and friend in the community, and you may run into him in the bar for an espresso. almost a saint, who always seemed to have the answer. However, he was now reduced to being a broken old man whose prayers had evidently gone unanswered because Father Time and Mother Nature had Father Danielle’s future in their hands.
The village church used to be the small town’s source of pride. It was constructed sometime in the 16th century, and ever since, it has reigned atop the municipality’s steep, verdant slopes. The church’s interior is embellished with intricate ceiling murals and beautiful stucco. A gloomy cloud is present despite all the beauty, though. It has only been occasionally maintained for decades, the brickwork is deeply cracked, erosion is eating away at the once rock-solid base, and now… Father Daniele, who has never mastered it, begs the Lord to ‘forgive me this damn earthquake” At his final mass, hopelessness is evident on his face. In the front row of the dingy seats, an elderly woman sobbingly asks, “What will become of our community now?” If only, as is always the case, Father Daniele was prepared with an answer.
Despite the poverty in the area, he has so far been able to fix a lot of things himself or with the help of local craftspeople. However, following the recent earthquake, it is just not possible, and the church may fall at any moment. The village church will soon be desecrated since the bishop has brought the religious group together with the next larger community. The village, 18 kilometers distant, is too far for the majority of the senior citizens, and Father Danielle cannot move into the nearby hamlet since there is no more room.
“Nothing! There is nothing we can do! Father Danielle responds with a loud, frantic voice. “Let’s recite our final joint prayer. That’s it. in jeans!’
More info: andyschwetz.de | Instagram | Facebook
#1 From the shadows
a lake or island with undiscovered beauty. The church required more effort in addition to the typical route there. It required numerous tries and patience to capture a passable image because the interior was completely dark.
#2 Octagon
The octagonal design of this chapel set it apart. Although this style of building is popular for churches and chapels, the narrow design made this one unique. The fern took care of the rest to drive me crazy.
#3 The Dom
a sizable church that is a part of a defunct hospital and dazzles with its height and hues.
#4 Sacred glow
The sun’s rays frequently provide a wonderful environment when they touch the dust.
#5 Sacred Disco
You can observe a spectacular display of light when the sun shines through the stained glass windows in this chapel of a now-defunct monastery school.
#6 The Plan
#7 The Garden Of Ignorance
One of the most exquisite churches I’ve ever seen. Located next to a former monastery’s psychiatric facility.
#8 Final Days
This antique organ withstood a powerful earthquake. It bravely waits for the next one to play on it despite a few scrapes.
#9 The Origin
The church’s fate is truly unusual. Other names for it include “the sinking church,”“the church in the water,”and “the submerged church.”The church had to be abandoned because the ground upon which it was constructed started to sink and a spring that rose from underneath the ground inundated it.
#10 Gravediggers
By chance, we came across an ancient sidewalk that had a tiny church next to it. We were somewhat horrified to see several people’s bones on the ground when we first entered the chapel. Grave robbers were likely already at work in this location.
#11 In secrecy
This church has undergone extensive excavations in the past, but they were likely abandoned due to financial constraints. Particularly fascinating are the artworks that were rediscovered and were in good condition.
#12 Glory Remains Forever
Another earthquake casualty in history. It was extremely risky to enter this chapel because it resembled a house of cards. It was a marvel that the chandelier was still in place.
#13 Greenery
#14 Fine And Small
We would not have found this little gem if the window hadn’t given them away. The stark blue stood out beautifully against the decrepit surroundings.
#15 Construction is ongoing
Here, there has been an ongoing attempt at the rescue for many years. Unfortunately, there is simply not enough money, especially in extremely tiny municipalities.
#16 Eden
#17 Skulls and Bones
Decay occasionally reveals hidden secrets in addition to spilling stuff. Therefore, it is possible that occasionally someone will find the bones buried beneath the church.
#18 I need to rest
No one has visited this church or the entire location since an 11-year absence due to a severe earthquake. Unfortunately, these locations are frequently visited by robbers who steal the inheritances from these unfortunate individuals.
#19 The ruler
#20 Sun rising
#21 Not Just Religion
#22 What’s going on
Only if you are aware that it exists can you locate this tiny chapel. The area where it now stands was once a construction site. Whatever the cause, a ruin still stood. However, this chapel had previously been placed between concrete structures. The two sculptures appear to be annoyed as well.
#23 heavenly wings
#24 The Christ’s suffering
#25 Decapitated
#26 Claus Rita
#27 Sixth Family
#28 Back to the Beginning
The community where this church is located was totally devastated by an earthquake in the middle of the 1980s. This church’s structure is ingrained with tree roots.
#29 Stone Dream
#30 Brotherhood
#31 Before all
On a mountain, in the middle of nowhere, stood this medieval monastery church. I was overtaken by two elderly Italian women as I was getting out of breath while climbing. I choked back my ego and laid the blame on the good genes of the women.
#32 Landlords
Related Posts
-
Multi-Million Dollar Ambassadors Mansion, an abandoned mansion
-
In 12 abandoned towns across the US that have been left to slowly deteriorate as nature takes back the land
-
There are 10 abandoned prisons hidden around the United States, and one of them might be in your backyard
-
Here are 35 pictures of abandoned churches I found over my eight years of traveling thousands of kilometers throughout Europe
About The Author
