ATG trip: Paths to Barolo (Original Journeys)

Background: The small picturesque church of La Madonna di Loreto sits on a high promontory completely surrounded by Barolo-producing vines, just outside the little town of La Morra. The church was acquired with public subscriptions and serves a tiny hamlet, whose inhabitants repaired the belltower damaged by an earthquake some years ago. The application for funding has come from the local hotelier.

Problem: Damp permeates the church’s gessoed interior, and cracks scar the apse wall. The air of neglect has encouraged local vandals to target the building.

Project: The church needs underpinning, general renovation, improved security and landscaping of the surrounding area, in order to turn it into a striking landmark worth visiting.

Sustainability: The abandonment of this historic monument mirrors the decimation of local communities through emigration. The halting of the loss of local historic and cultural resources may stem the flow of emigrants and attract visitors to this delightful area.

Project in progress