Brendola: The Gateway to the Berici Hills

Brendola is a fascinating town located less than 15km from Residence La Mason. Locals often call it "the door of the Berici" because its territory marks the transition from the plains to the hills. Consequently, the landscape is incredibly diverse. You can find lush woods, fertile meadows, and prestigious vineyards of volcanic origin. Specifically, the land is rich in natural springs, which feed the main river, the Brendola.

A Dream of Unity: The Origins of the Cathedral

The most iconic landmark in town is the Cathedral of Brendola, famously known as “L’Incompiuta” (The Unfinished). To understand its history, we must look back to 1926. At that time, strong rivalries divided the different hamlets of Brendola. Therefore, the four local parish priests decided to build a massive new church. They wanted to create a single center of faith to unite all citizens geographically and spiritually.

In 1928, the Bishop approved the project on the Cerro hill. Architect Fausto Franco designed the structure, and construction began in 1931. Interestingly, the project relied almost entirely on volunteers. Hundreds of local men worked without pay, using stones from Monte Comunale and sand from the Guà river. Their enthusiasm was so great that they even worked on Sundays to speed up the process.

The Majestic Architecture of the Hill

By 1933, the massive columns were already visible from the valley. One of the most striking features is the imposing statue of St. Michael the Archangel. Sculptor Giuseppe Zanetti created this 4-meter-high masterpiece to crown the facade. Even though the building is incomplete, it reaches a height of 28.5 meters. It covers over 1,100 square meters, making it one of the largest religious structures in the area.

The Great Mystery: Why did it Stop?

Unfortunately, the construction site stopped during the Second World War and never reopened. Several reasons might explain this abandonment. For instance, the war depleted local resources and funding. Furthermore, after the conflict, the original unity among the priests began to fade. Consequently, the cathedral remained a shell, just one step away from completion.

For over 60 years, the building suffered from decay. However, its "wounded" beauty inspired many artists. Singer-songwriter Fabrizio Tavernelli even dedicated a moving song to it. He described it as a place where "darkness enters inexorably" while "wild dawns climb its body." Today, it is a symbol of both faith and melancholy. You can easily visit the site in Via Carbonara, right in front of the town hall.

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The information contained was taken from paesifantasma.it