The Conversion of Heritage and the Heritage of Conversion: Two Case Studies from Trentino

This article explores two cases of architectural conversion within the TESEO project: the transformation of a Catholic church into an Orthodox church in Trento and the adaptation of a farmstead into a Buddhist temple in the Molin Valley, Trentino. These cases show how conversion involves a negotiation of visual and spatial markers, redefining what is considered “heritage”. The article situates these experiences within broader global trends of growing religious diversity and migration, exploring how such transformations respond to the need for worship spaces for religious minorities. It also reflects on the temporariness of these solutions, often pending the creation of more permanent spaces. In conclusion, the article proposes an open, non-deterministic view of heritage, embracing the fluidity and transformability of contemporary religious spaces.