Church of San Giorgio all'Isola (Montemonaco)

History of the Church of San Giorgio all'Isola

The church already existed in the 10th century and belonged to the Abbazia di Farfa. A document from 996 records that the abbot of Farfa granted the Chiesa di San Giorgio, already in ruins, to three priests for the rest of their lives. The dependence on Farfa ran through the monastery of Santa Vittoria in Matenano. Later the church appears among those paying tribute to the abbey.

In 1586 it was included in the diocese of Montalto, newly created at the wish of Pope Sixtus V. Restoration work begun in 1535 is recorded on the entrance portal. The building was later enlarged and remodeled, including once in the 15th century.

What to see in the Church of San Giorgio all'Isola

The oldest part is the apse. The half-dome shows the Deesis, with Christ in the center and the Madonna and St. John at the sides; below, fragments of the series of the Apostles remain. The frescoes are Byzantine in style and date from the 12th century.

The interior has two aisles. The 16th-century paintings depict St. Anthony Abbot, St. Sebastian, St. Bartholomew, a Crucifixion and the Madonna and Child, and are attributed to Giacomo Agnelli di Patrignone. Behind the altar, the canopy decorated in the 16th century includes the image of St. George slaying the dragon. Two 19th-century altars are dedicated to the Immacolata (Immaculate Conception) and the Santissimo Crocifisso (Holy Crucifix).

Outside, in front of the church, rises the bell tower, which was most likely a defensive tower originally.

How to visit the Church of San Giorgio all'Isola

The 2016 earthquake damaged the church. In July 2025, the start of repair, conservation and seismic upgrading work was announced for September. The project includes the recovery of the damaged frescoes and of the collapsed fragments of the altar frontal. It is wise to ask the Comune di Montemonaco (town hall) for information before visiting. Even with the church closed, the hamlet can be reached and the building seen from the outside.

Where the Church of San Giorgio all'Isola is located

The church is in the hamlet of San Giorgio all'Isola, about 6 km from Montemonaco. From Montemonaco, take the road toward Isola San Biagio; the building is at the far end of the hamlet, on a meadow. Parking is in the village.

Around the Church of San Giorgio all'Isola in Montemonaco

A 12.5 km hiking route starts from San Giorgio all'Isola, with 450 m of elevation gain and difficulty grade E (hiking). It passes through San Lorenzo in Vallegrascia and the church of Santa Maria in Casalicchio, climbs to Montemonaco and comes back down to the hamlet.

In Montemonaco, parts of the castle and the 13th-century walls with towers remain, along with the town hall and the Chiesa di San Benedetto Abate. Other places of worship in the area include the Casa Gioiosa Chapel in Montemonaco and, more generally, the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.