Siena Synagogue and church of San Pietro in Gessate among Europe's 7 most endangered sites

As it does every year, Europa Nostra, the European association dedicated to the protection of the continent’s cultural and natural heritage, along with the European Investment Bank Institute (EIB), has announced the list of Europe’s seven most endangered monuments and heritage sites for 2024.Italy’s situation is particularly alarming, since as many as two of our country’s sites are included in the list: The Synagogue of Siena, Italy; The People’s Houses (courées) in Roubaix-Tourcoing, France; The Cyclades Islands, particularly Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, Greece; The Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, Italy; The House of the People’s Liberation Army of Yugoslavia, Šabac, Serbia; The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, Altinözü, Turkey; The Gate of Antioch, Antakya Province, Hatav, Turkey.

The announcement of the finalists for the 7 Most Endangered Program was made during an online event to which those who submitted nominations and representatives of the 7 selected sites contributed. The event drew participants from all over Europe and beyond.

The Europa Nostra Board selected the finalists from the eleven monuments and heritage sites from nine countries previously selected by the 7 Most Endangered Program Advisory Committee. Nominations for the 7 Most Endangered 2024 Program were submitted by Europa Nostra member organizations, associations or even individual members of the organization.

The 7 selected sites were chosen not only because of their extraordinary importance and value as cultural heritage, but also because of the serious threat to them. The involvement of local communities and the commitment of public and private actors to save these sites were considered key added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites to serve as catalysts for sustainable socio-economic development. The 7 selected sites are eligible for a European Investment Bank (EIB) cultural heritage grant of 10,000 euros each to help implement an agreed activity to help preserve the threatened sites. A team of experts, representatives from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute, together with the organizations that nominated the selected sites and other partners, will evaluate each case by gathering information and meeting with key stakeholders in order to formulate and publish a technical and financial report with recommendations for action.

Europa Nostra Executive Vice President Guy Clausse said, “The list of the 7 most at-risk sites for 2024 includes three cultural heritage sites severely damaged by natural disasters, as well as sites threatened by demolition, inadequate development or lack of funding. Together with our partners (European and national), we will provide technical expertise, identify possible funding sources, and mobilize our extensive network to support the efforts of local communities to save them. It is our joint responsibility to preserve and enhance our shared heritage. It is, in fact, critically important for building a more sustainable, inclusive Europe at peace.”

European Investment Bank Institute Director Shiva Dustdar said, “When disasters struck Turkey and Syria last year, as well as Italy, the EIB Group, through its Institute, was there to provide emergency relief and support. Now, with the 7 Most Endangered 2024 project, we will provide our expertise, through current and retired staff, for three sites damaged by these disasters. This demonstrates the winning partnership between a dynamic civil society organization and the EIB Group. It also helps shed light on sites that could ultimately benefit from the EIB Group’s advice and financial support. We are proud to have recently renewed our partnership agreement with Europa Nostra through this flagship program.”

Responding to the announcement naming the Siena Synagogue among the 7 Most Endangered 2024 Program, Enrico Fink, on behalf of the Jewish Community of Florence said, “The inclusion of the Siena Synagogue in the list of the 7 Most Endangered 2024 is an important recognition both for the cultural value of the site itself, but also for the recognition of the importance of Jewish cultural heritage as an integral part of Siena’s history. The message that the local Jewish heritage is recognized at the European level helped us create awareness and give visibility to the project.”

The Siena Synagogue

The Siena Synagogue, located in the old Jewish ghetto just a short walk from Piazza del Campo, is a valuable example of an 18th-century synagogue building still used by the local community. Designed by Florentine architects Zanobi and Giuseppe del Rosso, it represents a fusion of Rococo and Neoclassical styles, with a simple exterior façade and a richly decorated interior, typical of Italian synagogues of the ghetto era.

Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the Synagogue, which plays a crucial role in Jewish life in Siena and helps keep alive ties with the wider Jewish community. However, the February 2023 earthquake caused severe structural damage to the building’s vault and roof, rendering them unstable and jeopardizing the safety of visitors and the continuity of religious services.

The Jewish community of Siena has proposed a two-phase restoration plan to preserve and restore the Synagogue. The first phase will focus on consolidating the vault and arches, while the second phase will involve replacing the roof. Inside the prayer hall, restoration work will address the interior decorations of the vault, repairing detachments and cracks with plaster, stucco and pictorial films.

The restoration project, once the necessary approvals and funding are obtained, aims not only to improve the structural stability of the building, but also to restore the Synagogue to its central role in community life. Inclusion in the 7 Most Endangered program would ensure visibility and support to raise the necessary funds for restoration.

The Siena Synagogue has been nominated to the 7 Most Endangered 2024 program by an individual member of Europa Nostra and the Jewish Community of Florence, along with support from the World Monuments Fund Spain, the Leon Levy Foundation, the David Berg Foundation through the World Monuments Fund, the Misericordia Israelitica di Siena and the Italian Jewish Cultural Heritage Foundation.

The Church of San Pietro in Gessate

The Church of San Pietro in Gessate, located in the heart of Milan, represents an important cultural treasure with roots dating back to the 13th century, when it was officiated by the Umiliati, a religious order active in the area. The building, probably designed by architect Guiniforte Solari and completed in the 15th century, presents a unique architecture rich in historical value. The 15th-century fresco cycles decorating the side chapels are among the most significant works by Lombard and European artists, further enriching the church’s artistic and historical value.

However, St. Peter’s Church has suffered significant damage throughout history, including bombing damage during World War II. Although restoration and preservation efforts have been made, the structure and the artworks inside, including the fresco cycles, continue to deteriorate due to the gradual deterioration of the building and adverse weather conditions.

The designation of St. Peter’s Church in the 7 Most Endangered Program is a key step in ensuring its protection and preservation. Inclusion in the program provides a vital opportunity to engage civil society, the church and local institutions in supporting this important cultural heritage. The L’Arte inVita project, supported by the local pastoral community and the Soprintendenza Archeologica, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the city of Milan, aims to promote awareness and conservation of the church through outreach and communication initiatives.

In addition to the preservation of the site, the project aims to transform St. Peter’s Church into a model of urban regeneration, integrating art, spirituality, history and nature to promote a sustainable and conscious vision of the common heritage. The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered emphasized the importance of properly preserving the church and its frescoes, highlighting the collaboration between civil society, the church and local institutions as critical to the success of this goal.

Siena Synagogue and church of San Pietro in Gessate among Europe's 7 most endangered sites

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