Church of Madonna della Cona (Castelsantangelo sul Nera)

History of the Church of Madonna della Cona

Tradition links the little church to the Battle of Pian Perduto of 1522, but the present building dates from the 17th-18th century. In that clash Visso prevailed over Norcia in the dispute over the Castelluccio basin and its flat land. Another tradition remembers it as a sign of peace between Castelluccio and the Villa di Gualdo, after a border war. It was once called the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. The present name comes from the image of Mary kept inside.

Every year, on the first Sunday of July, the communities of Castelsantangelo sul Nera and Castelluccio went up in procession to the chapel. Mass and the Festa della Cona followed. In the past the occasion also marked the end of the transhumance.

In 2016 the earthquake brought down the roof and the vault. The upper part of the altar, with the small statue of the Madonna and the body of the crucified Christ, remained intact. The statue was recovered by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato (the State Forestry Corps). The restoration, conceived by the Macerata section of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), led to the reopening at the end of 2021. The little church was the first building declared fit for use in Castelsantangelo sul Nera.

What to see at the Church of Madonna della Cona

The building is small and has an entrance anteroom. The value of the place also lies in its setting: the pass, the meadows of Pian Perduto and, a short distance away, a stone monument dedicated to the shepherds of the Sibillini, a large carved rock.

Visiting the Church of Madonna della Cona

The church can be reached by car along the provincial road between Castelsantangelo sul Nera and Castelluccio. A hiking trail also runs from the village of Gualdo to Forca di Gualdo. The road was damaged by the earthquake. It is therefore best to check road conditions and the weather beforehand, since the site is at altitude.

Where the Church of Madonna della Cona is located

The church is at Forca di Gualdo, in the territory of Castelsantangelo sul Nera, in the province of Macerata. It stands on the pass linking this municipality to Castelluccio di Norcia, in the province of Perugia. It is about five kilometers from Castelluccio.

Around the Church of Madonna della Cona

Pian Perduto and Castelluccio di Norcia are the nearest destinations. From the little church a moderate hike leads toward Monte Lieto, with views of Monte Vettore and the Castelluccio plain. For other places of worship in the area, see the page on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.