Nuns Fight Council Plans to Take Away Their Italian Beach Club 2026

In a dramatic standoff, a group of nuns is fighting to keep their beach club in Italy from being taken over by the local council. The dispute, dubbed a “holy war” by local press, centers on a 50-metre stretch of sand at Bagni Gino Garrone in Spotorno, Liguria, managed by the Suore di Carità di Santa Maria order since 1946. The nuns have operated the resort as a private concession, renting out loungers and umbrellas, with proceeds funding an infant school and summer camp. Now, the council wants to reclassify it as a “free equipped beach” and force the nuns to compete in a public tender.

The Dispute Over the Beach Club

The conflict emerged when Spotorno’s mayor, Mattia Fiorini, informed the nuns that their concession would be put out for public bidding. This follows EU beach concession laws and regional regulations requiring free beach quotas. The nuns argue that their charitable mission should exempt them from standard commercial rules, but the regulation that once allowed this no longer exists. Sister Miranda, an 80-year-old nun, challenged the mayor publicly, stating, “It’s ours. Why does the municipality want to take away our beach? If they do, we won’t even be able to keep the school running.”

Background of the Nuns’ Concession

For over seven decades, the nuns have managed the beach club, using the income to support their charitable activities. They run an infant school in Spotorno and a summer beach camp for children. The concession was originally granted under a social mission exemption, but that legal framework has been dismantled. The nuns now face the same rules as thousands of other private beach operators, many of whom are also contesting the government’s push to open up Italy’s coastline to public bidding.

The Council’s Position

Mayor Fiorini insists that the nuns must participate in the public tender if they wish to continue managing the concession. He argues that the reclassification as a “free equipped beach” would allow public access without mandatory fees, with optional rentals for loungers and umbrellas. The nuns counter that this model would be significantly less profitable, jeopardizing their ability to fund the school and camp. The dispute highlights the broader tension between commercial interests, public access, and charitable operations along Italy’s coast.

The Impact on Charity and Community

The nuns’ beach club is not just a business; it is a lifeline for the local community. The proceeds from the concession directly fund the infant school, which has been a cornerstone of Spotorno for generations. If the nuns lose the beach, they may be forced to close the school, affecting dozens of families. The summer camp also provides affordable recreation for children, many from low-income households. The nuns argue that their model combines tourism with social welfare, a unique blend that a commercial operator would not replicate.

Comparison of Beach Management Models

To understand the stakes, consider the differences between the current model and the proposed one. The table below outlines key aspects:

Key Takeaways

• The nuns have managed the beach club since 1946, using profits for charity.
• The council’s plan would reclassify the beach as free, reducing revenue.
• This dispute reflects Italy’s broader struggle with EU beach concession laws.
• The nuns’ school and summer camp are at risk if they lose the concession.
• Public support and legal challenges may influence the outcome.

FAQ

The fate of the nuns’ beach club remains uncertain, but their fight has captured national attention. As Italy grapples with beach concession reforms, this case underscores the need to balance commercial viability with social responsibility. For now, the nuns stand firm, hoping that public pressure and legal arguments will preserve their legacy of service.

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