A 50-meter stretch of beach in Spotorno, located in northwestern Italy’s Liguria region, has sparked significant controversy between a congregation of nuns and local authorities. This dispute, referred to locally as a “holy war,” arose after the municipal government put the beach area at Bagni Gino Garrone, managed by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary for over 80 years, up for auction.
The authorities acted to comply with European legislation regarding beach concessions and regional rules requiring certain areas to remain free for public access.
Previously, the nuns managing the Bagni Gino Garrone complex rented out beach umbrellas and lounge chairs, operating similarly to numerous other private concessions along Italy’s coastline. The proceeds from this operation supported charitable initiatives, including a school and a summer camp for children in the resort.
Changes in Legislation
The nuns had long benefited from an exemption from standard commercial regulations. However, legal frameworks for social beach use have evolved, prompting Spotorno’s mayor, Mattia Fiorini, to inform the nuns that the sandy area will be reclassified under new regulations.
To retain management of the beach, the nuns must participate in the public auction like other operators.
“Why Does the Municipality Want to Take Our Beach?”
During a public debate on the issue, Sister Miranda, an over 80-year-old nun, challenged Fiorini. “It is ours,” she stated, as reported by the Torino edition of Corriere della Sera. “Why does the municipality want to take our beach? If they do, we will not even be able to keep the kindergarten running,” she added.
The nuns expressed concerns that administering the beach as a “free-equipped beach,” where access is granted without charge and tourists can only optionally pay for lounge chairs and umbrellas, would severely diminish their income and jeopardize the charitable activities they support.
EU Directive Mandates Compliance
The local administration’s plan could make Spotorno one of the first towns in Italy to meet the June 30, 2027 deadline for putting beach sectors up for public auction, in accordance with the EU’s Bolkestein Directive.
Mayor Fiorini has proposed increasing the proportion of free public beaches in the area from 3.6% to 40% to comply with regional standards and the EU’s deadline. Italian governments have delayed the implementation of these community block regulations for nearly two decades due to pressure from concessionaires who feared losing often lucrative businesses.
The government led by Giorgia Meloni ultimately had to accept the deadline after pressure from Brussels and following decisions from Italian courts.
“We Trust in God and the Common Sense of Politicians”
The nuns remain hopeful that the beach will continue to be managed by them as before. “We trust in God and the common sense of politicians, hoping a solution can be found,” Sister Miranda concluded. Meanwhile, local authorities have urged the congregation to participate in the upcoming auction process set for the fall.
“The nuns have decades of experience in social assistance, which I am sure they can articulate in their project, highlighting the benefits they will provide for the community,” the mayor concluded.
