Church of Madonna della Neve (Arquata del Tronto)

History of the Church of Madonna della Neve

The history of the church is not documented. Its appearance suggests the 15th century, and the national catalog of cultural heritage places it in a local 15th-century context. Like other churches in Le Marche with this dedication, it stands near a neviera, a place where snow was gathered and stored for the community's needs, above all for food.

It was a parish church until June 11, 1986. Today it depends on the parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Arquata del Tronto, in Trisungo. The community of Faete is bound to it by a tradition more than a century old, still alive in the feast held in its honor.

What to see in the Church of Madonna della Neve

Outside, the portico stands out, covered by a roof on two exposed trusses. The portal is round-arched, with stone jambs and lintel. The monogram of San Bernardino is carved on the lintel. The bell gable has a single opening with a bell and stands at the back.

The interior is a simple, small hall. The 15th-century frescoes recall the manner of the Alemanno and of Panfilo da Spoleto. On the back wall, on the left, is the Annunciation with the archangel Gabriel. In the center, above the altar and below a blessing God the Father, a large niche shows the triumph of the Madonna with the Child and angels. On the side wall of the recess are Saint Sebastian pierced by arrows, Saint Roch and an Agnus Dei.

Visiting the Church of Madonna della Neve

Before setting out, it is best to check whether the building is accessible again. In 2025 it was unfit for use because of damage from the 2016 earthquake. Cracks had been found in the bell tower and in two of the four pillars of the portico, roof tiles had come loose and plaster had fallen onto the fresco on the back wall.

The church is reached via a short stretch through the chestnut wood. On May 31, 2025 a hike of the Festival dei borghi rurali della Laga started from here. The next day, Mass in honor of the Madonna della Neve was celebrated in front of the church.

Where the Church of Madonna della Neve is located

The church is in Faete, in the locality of Prati, in the municipality of Arquata del Tronto, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. The main village is about 30 km from Ascoli Piceno and about 30 km from Norcia.

Around the Church of Madonna della Neve

Arquata is dominated by its medieval fortress. The municipality is crossed by stages of the European long-distance path E1 and includes Forca di Presta, a mountain pass. Those wishing to see other religious buildings in the area can read the page on the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo in Arquata del Tronto. An overview of the churches in the area is on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains page.