Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno (Fiastra)

History of the Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno

The building was constructed between 1590 and 1610. The church is a subsidiary of the parish of Santi Paolo e Lorenzo, in the diocese of Camerino - San Severino Marche. In the 20th century and the following decades there were two interventions: the interior was redone in 1940 and the roof between 1997 and 2000.

The setting is Podalla, a hamlet at 903 m above sea level, now almost uninhabited, which was a strategic, defensive point contested between the communities of Camerino and San Ginesio between the 15th and 17th centuries.

What to see at the Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno

At present, the interest lies mainly in the building seen from the outside and in its position. It is a small isolated church, reached by a walk suitable for everyone. The view over the Fiastrone and Chienti valleys is the main reason to come this far.

Visiting the Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno

The interior cannot be visited because the church is unfit for use. Since the 2016 earthquake, most of the churches along the Podalla itinerary are unfit for use and can only be admired from the outside. Before setting out, it is best to check the weather and ask about the condition of the route.

Where the Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno is located

The church is in the hamlet of Podalla, in the municipality of Fiastra, in the province of Macerata. The Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno is visited together with the nearby Chiesa di Santa Croce. Podalla, a tiny village, can be reached by car. From there a path leads to the church.

Around the Church of Madonna di Rio Bagno

The village of Podalla bears witness to a past tied to sheep farming and charcoal production. Besides the Chiesa di Santa Croce, there are other religious buildings in the territory of Fiastra. Among them is the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso in Fiastra. A broader overview is on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.