Church of S. Giovanni Battista

Denore (FE)
2015 / 2025

Client: Archdiocese of Ferrara and Comacchio

Photographs: Elena Romani / Daniele Fazzari / archivio binariolab

• Architectural design

• Structural design

• Safety coordination during design and execution

• Works Management

• Liturgical adaptation Arch. Cristiano Ferrari

• Fire prevention design

• LEED Historic Building GBC Environmental Sustainability Protocol Application

Church of S. Giovanni Battista

The church of S. Giovanni Battista is situated in the small hamlet of Denore, in the countryside near Ferrara. This work skilfully engineered by the architect Antonio Foschini, a well-known designer in Ferrara in the 18th century, was heavily damaged by the earthquake which took place in May 2012. In addition to repair damage with seismic improvements, the project is distinguished by a historical-critical approach, particularly visible in the choice (but also in the recovery) of materials, shapes and finishes.

Among the most substantial architectural choices, the laying of the new earthenware floor – replacing the twentieth-century Venetian terrazzo tiles – is worthy of note, as is the liturgical adaptation, culminating in the creation of a new staircase leading to the Blessed Virgin of Grace.

In addition to the architectural restoration of the church, the liturgical adaptation project is being carried out with the identification and design of the liturgical and pastoral places that the parish intends to make available to the church community. The liturgical places will be interpreted in a new way, with an iconographic idea for implementing the resacralization of the church.