Church of San Giovanni (Visso)

History of the Church of San Giovanni

The Church of San Giovanni in Fematre was built between 1290 and 1310. Inside, the painted decoration dates from 1603. Between 1997 and 2000 the building was restored and the roof was rebuilt. The 2016 earthquake damaged it.

In the early Middle Ages Fematre was part of the fief of the Alviano counts, and the castle that stood on the site of the village had gained importance because of its border position.

How to visit the Church of San Giovanni

The church was damaged in the 2016 earthquake: before going, it is advisable to ask the parish of Santa Maria Assunta or the Comune di Visso (town hall) whether the building is accessible.

Where the Church of San Giovanni is located

The church stands in the hamlet of Fematre, in the territory of Visso, in the border area between Le Marche and Umbria. Just outside the village, at the foot of Monte Fema, stands the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta.

Around the Church of San Giovanni in Visso

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta rises in isolation opposite the village. It was built in 1100 in Romanesque style, and in 1135 an oratory, now the sacristy, was added beside it. In the 14th century, after earthquake damage, it was lengthened with a presbytery covered by a ribbed vault, entirely frescoed with scenes from the life of Mary by the Sparapane family of Norcia starting in 1497. A large Madonna del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) from 1583 is attributed to Fabio Angelucci.

Halfway up the mountain that separates Fematre from Mevale is the Chiesa della Madonna del Casale, known as the Romitorio delle Centelle, from the third quarter of the 17th century, with its entrance facing the cliff and preceded by a portico. Other churches in the area are on the churches of the Sibillini Mountains page.