Europa Nostra and EIB Institute issue report on the Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, Italy
In a technical report published today, experts from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute highlight the significant threats faced by the historic Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, Italy. This Renaissance building was listed among the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2024, following a nomination made by an individual member of Europa Nostra from Italy with the support of the “Holy Prophets” Pastoral Community and the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the city of Milan.
The Church of San Pietro in Gessate, known both for its architectural features and its 15th-century fresco cycles made by Lombard painters and other renowned European artists, is at serious risk of deterioration due to environmental factors and insufficient maintenance. The report, prepared by experts from Europa Nostra and the EIB Institute, emphasises the urgent need for restoration to safeguard the church’s historical and artistic value.
The technical report presents the main challenges, including excessive dampness and water infiltration, and stresses the need for conservation measures to protect the church’s frescoes from further degradation. It presents a series of recommendations to address the damp problem and to preserve and restore the frescoes and the paintings as well as to promote greater cooperation between local authorities, heritage organisations and the wider community.
The report was formulated on the basis of the outcomes of the mission on-site conducted from 5 to 6 December 2024, during which a team of specialists – Gaianè Casnati, Council member of Europa Nostra, Paolo Vitti, Vice-President of Europa Nostra, and Peter Bond, Adviser to the EIB Institute – assessed the church’s condition and met with key stakeholders, including representatives from the local municipality, cultural institutions and heritage conservation experts. The discussions underscored the critical need for coordinated action and investment to prevent irreversible damage to the Church of San Pietro in Gessate.
The inclusion of the Church San Pietro in Gessate in the 7 Most Endangered list 2024 has drawn international attention to its plight, encouraging renewed efforts to ensure its preservation. The full technical report serves as a guide for future interventions, advocating for comprehensive conservation strategies to secure the church’s important heritage for future generations.
More information
Full Technical Report on the Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, Italy (PDF)
