Church of San Biagio intra moenia (Montemonaco)

History of the Church of San Biagio intra moenia

Built in the Romanesque period and later altered several times, the church was originally small. It was enlarged to meet the needs of a growing population. With the enlargement it incorporated a stretch of the castle walls and a defensive tower, which later became the bell tower. The enlargement joined it to the nearby Church of San Benedetto in Montemonaco.

It long remained unused. It also had other uses, including as a cinema. Work funded by the 8xmille (the share of income tax allocated to churches) between 2001 and 2003 concerned the building. Later restorations recovered two 16th-century stone altars. In 2007 the church became the seat of the museum.

What to see in the Church of San Biagio intra moenia

The hall has a single nave, with trefoil windows and a simple, plain appearance. On the right side are two 16th-century sandstone altars, one of them with a crucifix. On the wall is a small fresco of the titular saint.

The paintings include the Madonna del Soccorso of 1521, by Giulio Vergari, and a Madonna of the Rosary from the late 16th century. There is also an altarpiece with San Biagio and Sant'Antonio Abate, attributed to Pier Leone Ghezzi. The museum also holds crucifixes, relics, wooden statues and works from the churches of the area. Among them are a painted leather altar frontal from the early 17th century from Vallegrascia and a processional cross of 1788 from Isola San Biagio.

Outside is an installation in the shape of a bell tower, with the bells recovered after the earthquake. They can be played with a keyboard.

Visiting the Church of San Biagio intra moenia

The visit is a visit to the museum. For admission conditions it is best to ask before the visit. Access is also available to people with disabilities. There is a single hall and the visit takes little time. Before setting out, it is best to check the opening days and hours, which may vary.

Where the Church of San Biagio intra moenia is located

The church is in the historic center of Montemonaco, at the foot of Monte Sibilla, near Porta San Biagio. It should not be confused with the church of San Biagio in the hamlet of Isola San Biagio, which is a different building.

Around the Church of San Biagio intra moenia

A few steps away are the church of San Benedetto Abate, which holds the silver arm of San Benedetto made by the goldsmith Cristoforo da Norcia, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Montemonaco. The Palazzo Municipale (town hall) has a 14th-century tower. Leaving through Porta San Biagio, the remains of the walls can be seen, interrupted by three towers. A little further on, the Parco Montiguarnieri offers a viewpoint over the Sibillini. The same municipality is also home to the Casa Gioiosa Chapel in Montemonaco. Other churches in the area are on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains page.