The Public interests stemming from religious freedom: the case of the Mosque of Monfalcone in Italy

The availability of places of worship is an important dimension of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Italian Constitution. Focusing on the case of the mosque in Monfalcone, Italy, this article examines the relationship between religious freedom and public interest from an administrative law perspective. It analyses how the discretionary powers of local authorities in regulating places of worship can affect the effective exercise of constitutional rights. The article considers places of worship as essential public services and examines the principles governing local administrative action. It argues that the collective exercise of religious freedom constitutes a constitutionally protected public interest requiring active implementation by public authorities.