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Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo (Valfornace)

Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo (Valfornace)

Type
Church
Municipality
FiordimonteValfornace (MC)

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

The Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo (Chiesa della Madonna a Monte Aguzzo) stands on a plateau below the summit of Monte Aguzzo, in the municipality of Valfornace. It sits on the pass above the hamlet of Taro, in Fiordimonte, and is also called Santa Maria del Piano. The site marks the border between the old communities of Fiordimonte and Appennino (today Pieve Torina), along a route once traveled by shepherds, farm laborers and carters. Before a visit, it is best to check whether the church is accessible.

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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

History of the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo

The church was built out of devotion on land granted by the Lateran chapter, right on the border between the communities of Fiordimonte and Appennino. It is already documented in the 15th century.

It was always joined to the church of Taro, where the image of the Madonna venerated here is kept. In the past, Monte Aguzzo celebrated the Annunciation (March 25), Saint Barnabas (June 11) and Saint John the Baptist (June 24).

A local legend says that a treasure was buried in the church. To find it, one had to come at midnight: at that hour a friar appeared who, after serving Mass, pointed to the hiding place.

What to see at the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo

The present building has been heavily altered, but on the outside a few traces of the old wall can still be seen.

The plateau offers a wide view over the Chienti valley. On clear days the view reaches as far as Camerino.

Visiting the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo

The interior may not be open to visitors. Before setting out, it is useful to ask the Comune di Valfornace (town hall) about the state of the site.

The site is linked to the Sibillini Rebirth – Secondo anello hiking route. As for any outing at altitude, it is wise to check the weather before leaving.

Where the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo is located

The church is in the municipality of Valfornace, in the Fiordimonte area. It stands in the locality of Monte Aguzzo, on the pass overlooking the hamlet of Taro.

Around the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo

The nearby village of Taro has houses of local stone surrounded by mountain pastures. Its historic name is Lotaro. In the village is the 14th-century Church of San Biagio in Valfornace. The church of Taro also holds a handcrafted image of Saint Barnabas and the image of the Madonna venerated at Monte Aguzzo.

Other places of worship in the municipality are the Church of Rosario in Valfornace and the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso in Valfornace. For a broader overview, see the page on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Church of Madonna a Monte Aguzzo?

The interior may not be accessible. Anyone planning to reach the plateau should ask the Comune di Valfornace in advance about the state of the site. The place is in any case listed as a destination along the Sibillini Rebirth – Secondo anello route.

Which feasts were celebrated at Monte Aguzzo?

In the past, the Annunciation was celebrated here on March 25, Saint Barnabas on June 11 and Saint John the Baptist on June 24.

Is Santa Maria del Piano the same church as Monte Aguzzo?

Yes. The Chiesa della Madonna di Monte Aguzzo is also called Santa Maria del Piano, after the plateau it stands on, below the summit of Monte Aguzzo. It has always been joined to the church of the nearby hamlet of Taro.

What is the view from Monte Aguzzo?

From the church plateau there is a fine view over the Chienti valley. On especially clear sunny days the view can reach as far as Camerino.

Nearby

Where to eat

Straight-line distances.