Basilica of Agliate
Historic Building
| Type | Historic house of worship |
| Intervention | Roof renovation |
| Location | Carate Brianza, Italy |
| Roof insulation | Isotec by Brianza Plastica – 60 mm thick |
| Insulated roof surface | 300 sqm |
| Roof cladding | New and reclaimed roof tiles |
| Year of intervention | 2016 |
History
The Basilica of Agliate, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, is a Romanesque architectural gem featuring a classic three-nave structure built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Adjacent to the Basilica stands its nine-sided Baptistery, built in the same Romanesque style and topped with an eight-segment vaulted roof. Together, the Basilica and Baptistery stand as enduring monuments to earliest organised Christian communities. Over the centuries, the complex has undergone numerous restoration campaigns, most notably the reconstruction of the Basilica’s roof in 2016.
The intervention
Following repairs carried out in the 1970s, the Basilica’s roof had deteriorated severely over time. Improperly secured tiles had shifted and broken, resulting in damaging water infiltration. The lack of adequate waterproofing threatened both the building’s structural integrity and its ancient interior frescoes, making a comprehensive roof restoration essential. The restoration process involved removing the existing tiles, carefully setting aside intact historic tiles for reuse, and removing the original sand-and-cement screed. Subsequently, a breathable membrane and Brianza Plastica’s Isotec thermal insulation panels were installed over the new timber framework. Integrated metal stiffeners within the panels provided a secure anchor for both the new and reclaimed roof tiles, while creating a ventilated air cavity beneath the external cladding that significantly boosted the roof’s thermal performance and moisture management. Furthermore, the Isotec System’s lightweight design and rapid installation enabled the restoration to be completed in a short timeframe.
The building today
The monumental complex of the Basilica of Agliate is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy and the surrounding Brianza region. It retains much of its original layout along with a rich artistic and religious heritage, including precious interior frescoes and mosaics on the façade. While the main Basilica is open daily, guided visits of the entire architectural complex can be arranged in advance.
