Here Are 40 Of My Best Photos That Show The Italian Church’s Decline
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Italy is no different from the rest of Europe in that churches are essential to the landscape. Although the nation deeply appreciates its past, present, and relationship with the Church as an institution, it still has many dilapidated and abandoned churches. We shall look at a few of these deserted churches and chapels in this post through the eyes of a photographer who has captured both their beauty and decrepitude.
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Ancient churches and chapel ruins can be found all across Italy, some of which are only known to minor local communities. These ruins can be seen from the extreme north to the southern Italian islands. In other circumstances, abandoned churches may only be known to residents of that neighbourhood, and with time, knowledge of these locations and their prior histories fades away. Even big cities like Naples in Campania have a surprising number of hidden former churches.
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As urban expansion ate up what was there before, many residential buildings in Naples’ historical district have evolved from their beginnings as chapels to become homes. Take the famous “Palazzo di Ludovico Di Bux” in Via Nilo 22. Even the current occupants might be unaware that the property was formerly a church because some neglected characteristics are still clearly apparent. This structure joins a long list of previous churches, some of which are still visible in various stages of ruin and lack formal documentation due to the destruction of documents over the years.
The photographer was inspired to investigate and take pictures of abandoned buildings by his love of history, architecture, art, and adventure. He visited more than 20 nations while travelling the globe, photographing more than 2,000 derelict structures. He photographed more than 100 deserted churches in Italy alone for this story. His favourite place to travel and take pictures of abandoned structures in Italy, where he has found some of his all-time favourites, including the deserted Castle of Sammezzano.
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For almost 12 to 13 years, the photographer has explored and captured abandoned structures. He has developed a small but mighty network of like-minded individuals who support one another. Additionally, he looks for hints online (for example, in local news articles), virtually explores locations in Google Streetview, visits a site in person, spends the night there, makes friends with the locals, and then drives around while keeping an eye out for clues.
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Italy and the Catholic Church share a tight association due to the Roman Empire’s contribution to establishing modern Christianity as an institution. Despite this close connection, there are several dilapidated or abandoned churches, chapels, and other places of worship throughout Italy. These structures are gradually losing their significance with time and becoming forgotten by the populace. Seeing these abandoned chapels and cathedrals is a beautiful excursion since it allows us to appreciate their history and the beauty of deterioration.
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