Churches and States

A comparative analysis of the 19th-century reconstruction of San Paolo fuori le Mura and the ongoing debates surrounding the rebuilding of Notre Dame reveals striking parallels that could inform contemporary architectural and political discussions. The study highlights how historical reconstructions, particularly those involving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are often entangled with complex power dynamics between religious institutions and states. By examining the case of San Paolo fuori le Mura—a site within the Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights—this research underscores the need for a nuanced approach to preservation that balances historical integrity with evolving societal values.

Wittman, R. (2019). Churches and States. Places Journal, (2019). https://doi.org/10.22269/190917