Churches are deconsecrated for several reasons. Damage to the building can render it dangerous, local populations or parish structures can change, or people can simply stop going to church. A few years ago, Italy was shocked by a study that showed Sunday Mass attendance was nearly 50% lower than thought – this in a country with traditionally the highest number of church-goers in western Europe. In Britain, attendance is falling year on year, coupled with a rise in the number of churches converted into over-priced homes and apartments. At least in Italy, they show a little imagination.

Photograph: Andrea Di Martino/Picturetank/Eyevine