Padenghe’s San Emiliano Church Restoration Project Unveiled
Undoubtedly, a particularly significant moment will take place next Saturday morning, November 25th, in Padenghe sul Garda, during the celebrations for the feast of St. Emiliano.
At 10:30 AM, Municipal Administrators and FAI representatives, guided respectively by Mayor Giancarlo Allegri and FAI delegate for Garda Walter Romagnoli, will present the “project hypothesis for the restructuring and restoration of San Emiliano” along with a scale model.
The event will be attended by Hon. Adriano Paroli, Regional Councilor Franco Nicoli Cristiani, the president of Consorzio Garda Uno Guido Martelli, and Provincial Councilor Roberto Toffoli.
History and characteristics of the small church
This charming church, perched atop the hill overlooking Lake Garda, the settlement of Padenghe, right next to the hill on which the majestic Castle stands, has an intriguing history.
Padenghe, like other nearby locations, traces its origins back to ancient times, as confirmed by numerous archaeological excavations, dating back to the Roman era.
Following these excavations, not far from the church of San Emiliano, the perimeter and some ruins of a grand “Roman villa” were uncovered and then, as often happens in such circumstances, covered up due to lack of funds, protection, and conservation efforts.
The restoration of the Malerba fortress, as confirmed by expert reports, further highlights the interest that such artifacts attract to the area, potentially drawing new tourists if adequately promoted.
Architecture and preservation
San Emiliano church is “an interesting example of pure Romanesque architecture that has preserved its characteristics,” as Andrea Nodali explains in his book, which will be officially presented on December 22nd at 8:30 PM in the Padenghe council chamber. The church features “a single nave with a semicircular apse – and a good connection of ashlar stones in its solid walls.”
Gaetano Paonazza, in his “History of Brescia: the parishes and sanctuaries in Valtenesi,” states that “this of Padenghe is among the most refined buildings due to its varied use of differently colored ashlar stones, giving it a chromatic note typical of Veronese architecture.”
The church is oriented toward the lake, facing east, “toward the rising sun,” symbolizing the light of Christ, as was customary among early Christian communities.
Inside, traces of frescoes emerge, and partial restoration seems still possible.
Current state and requalification projects
The “canonical,” currently used as a small farmstead, is in poor condition, prompting a complete renovation with potential new uses, such as a small Valtenesi museum, an ecclesiastical library, or a place for meditation and cultural meetings.
“With the proposal to revalue and recover the Church of Sant’Emiliano,” explains Walter Romagnoli, “thanks also to the scale model prepared by a team of expert restorers, FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano) aims to raise awareness among administrators at various levels and hopes to find sponsors willing to support the initiative financially, partially funded by institutional bodies.”