Comunanza reopens historic San Francesco church after 50 years

The historic San Francesco d’Assisi church in the ancient village of Comunanza is set to reopen on Thursday, September 17, after being closed for more than 50 years. The building had been unusable for decades due to structural issues, which were further exacerbated by the 2016 earthquake.

Restoration work has recently been completed following an investment of over 630,000 euros. Funding was provided by the Italian Episcopal Conference (420,000 euros), BIM Tronto (120,000 euros), the Pascali Foundation (30,000 euros), and the Municipality of Comunanza (61,000 euros). While the main works are finished, some interior elements still require additional funding for full restoration.

The reopening will be marked by a conference in Piazza Giacinto Luzi at 3:30 p.m., featuring institutional and religious figures including Bishop Giampiero Palmieri, regional president Francesco Acquaroli, and reconstruction commissioner Guido Castelli. A mass will follow at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the event.