Church of San Cristoforo (Monte Cavallo)

History of the Church of San Cristoforo

The church dates from the 14th century. There are not enough documents to establish the exact date of construction. The niche in the center of the apse wall holds a painting dated 1632, showing the Madonna in glory with saints in adoration.

What to see in the Church of San Cristoforo

The exterior is built of irregular stone masonry, with a gabled roof and an unadorned facade. The entrance is raised one step above the road. It has a stone lintel topped by a segmental brick arch. The bell tower rises on the south side, and the sacristy is a little farther on.

The interior has a simple plan with a flat apse. Two small windows open in the apse wall; together with the one in the facade, they are the only sources of natural light. In the central niche, the painting shows the Madonna in glory among angels and saints in adoration, including John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene. The church also holds a 15th-century cross made of silver sheets.

How to visit the Church of San Cristoforo

The church is isolated from the houses and not far from the main road. The municipal territory is mountainous. In winter it snows heavily and some roads are unpaved. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the weather and ask the Comune (town hall) whether the church is open to visitors.

Where the Church of San Cristoforo is located

The church is in Selvapiana, a hamlet of the municipality of Monte Cavallo, in the province of Macerata. The municipality is made up of scattered settlements, with its administrative seat at Piè del Sasso. To get there, take the turnoff for Monte Cavallo on the road that links La Muccia to Visso.

Around the Church of San Cristoforo in Monte Cavallo

Selvapiana is on a hiking route that also passes through Valcaldara, Cesure and the Oasi naturalistica di Monte Fietone e Monte Cesure, a nature reserve. In Valcaldara stands the Chiesa di San Nicolò, with a 14th-century gilded copper cross and a 15th-century fresco depicting St. Sebastian. Not far from Monte Cavallo is the complex of the Santuario di Macereto. Other religious sites in the area are on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.