Church of San Giovanni Battista (Montemonaco)
The Church of San Giovanni Battista (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) in Montemonaco is a small building dating from the 14th century, standing in the upper part of the village. It has an Augustinian past and was for a long time a church reserved for the local nobility. It is linked above all to one work: the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Succor), painted in 1521 by the Amandola artist Giulio Vergari.
Church of San Giovanni Battista (Montemonaco)
- Type
- Church
- Municipality
- Montemonaco (AP)
Source: site database.
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
History of the Church of San Giovanni Battista
From 1373 the church was the seat of the Hermits of St. Augustine, who dedicated it to the holy bishop of Hippo. They also had a convent next to the church. A plaque in Gothic lettering on the left side bears the date 1391. It records a series of restorations.
In 1652 the convent was suppressed. The church's revenues passed to the parish of Ferrà, and its parish priest moved to the main town with the title of Priore (Prior). For this reason the building was long known as "la chiesa di Ferrà" (the church of Ferrà).
What to see in the Church of San Giovanni Battista
The building has a single nave. Of the late 14th-century structure, the gabled roof with wooden beams and the Gothic apse survive. Behind a masonry canopy, probably from the 18th century, opens a pointed window. Today only the high altar remains, while there were once other altars, dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, the Beata Concezione (Blessed Conception) and San Francesco di Paola.
The most important work is the Madonna del Soccorso from 1521. The canvas is signed by Giulio Vergari. Once placed on the high altar, it is now on display in the Museo d'Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) of Montemonaco.
A second painting linked to the church is the Immacolata (Immaculate Conception). The picture shows a ship in full sail, together with the patron who commissioned it.
How to visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista
Before setting out, it is advisable to check whether it is possible to go inside, especially since Montemonaco is among the towns hit by the 2016 earthquake.
Where the Church of San Giovanni Battista is located
The church is in the upper part of the village of Montemonaco, in the province of Ascoli Piceno.
Around the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Montemonaco
In Montemonaco, the Museo d'Arte Sacra is housed in the former Romanesque church of San Biagio, right next to the present parish church, and holds paintings, sculptures and sacred furnishings. In the hamlet of San Giorgio all'Isola, about 6 km from the main town, stands the Romanesque Church of San Giorgio all'Isola, with Byzantine-style 12th-century frescoes in the apse. The building was damaged by the 2016 earthquake, so it is best to check whether it is accessible. The municipal territory also includes the Casa Gioiosa Chapel. Other places of worship in the area are on the page churches of the Sibillini Mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Who painted the Madonna del Soccorso of Montemonaco?
Why was the Church of San Giovanni Battista called the "chiesa di Ferrà"?
When was the church founded, and to whom was it originally dedicated?
What does the painting of the Immacolata linked to the church show?
Nearby
What to see nearby
- under 100 m
- under 100 m
- under 100 m
Where to stay
- Taverna della Montagna, MontemonacoMountain hut700 m
- Rifugio Altino, MontemonacoMountain hut2.5 km
- Altino Campi Scout, MontemonacoCampground2.5 km
Where to eat
- Battì, MontemonacoBar and café700 m
- 700 m
- Franca, MontemonacoClimbing2.0 km
Straight-line distances.