Nuns escape blaze as 17th-century Italian monastery goes up in flames

More than twenty cloistered nuns were evacuated after a massive fire tore through the 17th-century Bernaga Monastery in La Valletta Brianza, near Milan, on Saturday night.

The blaze, which broke out around 7:30–8:00 p.m. local time on October 11, ripped across the roof and upper floors, partially destroying the complex and gutting centuries-old wooden structures.

Local officials described the damage as “incalculable,” though the community of nuns escaped; most were relocated to a nearby religious house, and a small number were taken to the hospital for checks, including one elderly sister treated for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters from across the Lecco, Monza Brianza, and Como provinces battled the flames through the night, using drones to monitor hotspots and continuing cleanup and safety operations into Sunday.

Early indications point to a likely electrical short circuit originating in a cell, though investigators from the national fire brigade’s anti-arson unit are examining the scene.

The monastery, founded in 1628 and home to the Romite Ambrosiane, holds deep cultural and devotional significance in the region. It is also closely associated with (now Saint) Carlo Acutis: local church authorities noted that he received his First Communion there, and some items linked to him were secured amid the emergency. Officials warned, however, that numerous artworks and historic furnishings may have been lost in the fire.

Regional leaders and the local mayor praised the rapid response that prevented casualties and pledged support for safeguarding what remains of the complex. Structural assessments and a formal inquiry are underway; the site has been placed under precautionary seizure while specialists evaluate stability and catalog salvageable heritage objects.

Sources - NDTV, People Magazine, AFP, BBC News.