FAI UK has committed to funding The Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate, Lecce for its 2017 Restoration Project.
This Abbey is a gem of Southern Italian architecture, sculptures, and frescos, and the restoration aims at restore and revive the entire complex, including the surrounding rural areas; raise awareness among the general public about such an important historical/cultural asset; and develop cultural and educational activities linked to the local traditions that will contribute to tourism in the area of Salento.
The specific project FAI UK committed to sponsoring for 2017 is the restoration of the Old Stable building. Once functional, the building will become an exhibition space for the beautiful frescoes, which were removed from the church in the 1970s, as well as a spot for educational and cultural activities.
The whole restoration project aspires to restore and preserve this important testament of Southern Italian culture.
Today the site is still under restoration, therefore some areas could not be accessible to the public.
The Abbey will open again on Saturday 7th of April 2018, with private guides on reservation starting from March 2018.
For further questions, contact: faicerrate@fondoambiente.it