Church of San Benedetto (Monte Cavallo)

History of the Church of San Benedetto in Monte Cavallo

Studies date the church to between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its link with the Benedictine order is still visible today, because some parts of the original structure have survived.

The frescoes were painted in the 16th century. Later the wooden side altars and the rose window on the facade were added. The building was damaged by the 2016 earthquake and is part of the post-earthquake reconstruction work: damage repair and seismic upgrading were approved in February 2025.

What to see in the Church of San Benedetto in Monte Cavallo

The interior has a single nave. Along the two long sides are two wooden altars, decorated with faux-marble painting and gold leaf. Each frames a frescoed niche. The frescoes date from the 16th century, while the rose window opens on the facade. The bell tower stands beside the church on the southwest side.

Visiting the Church of San Benedetto in Monte Cavallo

The works approved in 2025 concern the roof, the vault, the apse area, the bell tower and the sacristy. Before setting out, it is therefore best to check accessibility, for example with the Comune di Monte Cavallo (town hall).

Where the Church of San Benedetto in Monte Cavallo is located

The church is in the hamlet of Valle San Benedetto, in the municipality of Monte Cavallo (Le Marche). The municipality is made up of scattered settlements, with its seat at Piè del Sasso, and lies at the mouth of a gorge enclosed by rocky peaks. It borders Pieve Torina, Serravalle di Chienti and Visso. It lies on the edge of the Sibillini National Park.

Around the Church of San Benedetto in Monte Cavallo

South of the village, a small valley-floor road climbs to the little church of the Madonna della Valle in Monte Cavallo, at 721 m above sea level. A fitness trail has been set up here. In Valcaldara, the church of San Nicolò holds a 14th-century cross and a 15th-century fresco with Saint Sebastian. In Collattoni are the springs known as Le Vene and the Trocchi, suitable for short walks. Between Monte Cavallo and Pieve Torina lies the Riserva Naturale Montagna di Torricchio, a protected area of pastures, meadows and woods between 800 and 1,500 m above sea level. Other churches in the area are on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains page. Another place dedicated to the saint is the Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia.