Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Convento di San Francesco, Bologna (Chiostro dei Morti)
The convent attached to the Basilica of San Francesco, begun in 1236; behind its Romanesque facade the basilica is one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture in Italy. The complex is state property; the friars hold part of the convent, including its oldest cloister, the Chiostro dei Morti.
The complex has long-standing conservation problems made worse by the 2012 earthquake. The friars are consolidating and restoring the Chiostro dei Morti: the Crucifixion fresco, columns, capitals and terracotta, the plaster, the cistern and drains and the paving. Works began in January 2026 and spending has already exceeded donations.
Before you act. The project covers only the convent spaces entrusted to the friars, not the basilica. This is a city-center friary in use, not an abandoned building.
Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: Provincia Italiana di S. Antonio di Padova dei Frati Minori Conventuali (donations by bank transfer under the Italian Art Bonus scheme).
Milan, Italy
The roofs of the abbey church are degraded: tile courses are irregular and water is getting in and damaging the frescoes inside. The monks' official Art Bonus sheet prices the roof works at just over EUR 1.02 million, of which about EUR 205,550 has been donated; a second open project restores the 16th-century entrance tower.
Asciano, Italy
The monks are renovating the guest house (Casa Ospiti) to meet safety rules: removing architectural barriers, new visitor toilets and a bathroom for each room. The Art Bonus sheet lists a EUR 400,000 project with works in progress; spending so far has outrun the donations received.