2016–2018 Church of San Michele – Modotto, Moruzzo

Restoration of the Church of San Michele – Modotto, Moruzzo

The intervention involved the restoration of the Church of San Michele, a Romanesque building dating back to the 12th century, subject to both archaeological and architectural heritage protection. The project was developed in close collaboration with the Heritage Authority, addressing both architectural and archaeological aspects to ensure a respectful approach focused on the full enhancement of the historic fabric.

During the works, an older Lombard-era structure was discovered beneath the existing church. This finding required adjustments to the project during construction, while maintaining the planned underground burial niches commissioned by the client and introducing specific solutions to highlight the archaeological remains. Portions of the buried church were made visible through glass floor panels, allowing direct perception of the historical stratification and the evolution of the building.

The project also included the renewal of the liturgical elements: the later altar was removed and replaced with a new transparent polycarbonate altar, designed to preserve visual continuity and enhance the architectural space. A new sculpture of Saint Michael, carved in Istrian stone and placed on the altar, was commissioned to restore a central symbolic focus within the church.

Location: Modotto, Moruzzo (Udine)
Date: 2016–2018
Client: Private
Scope of services: Architectural survey, integrated and coordinated preliminary, final and detailed design, site supervision and cost accounting, artistic direction, safety coordination during design and construction phases.
Project value: approximately € 170,000