Church of San Matteo (Arquata del Tronto)

History of the Church of San Matteo

The church dates from the period between the late 15th and early 16th centuries and is the work of local craftsmen. The dating is considered presumed: it is placed between the 15th and 16th centuries.

After the damage it suffered, the church required emergency safety works. The aim was to stop the structural deterioration from worsening and to protect the building together with the historical and artistic features that can still be read. In October 2024 the Conferenza dei Servizi (services conference) approved the project for repairing the damage and local strengthening. The project includes controlled dismantling of the roof, temporary shoring, work on the perimeter walls and beams, redoing the plaster and roof, and work on the decorative features.

What to see in the Church of San Matteo

The church's interest lies above all in its paintings. Behind the high altar is a fresco with the Madonna and Child, Saints and a Pietà, attributed to Bernardino Campilli of Spoleto. On the right wall is another fresco attributed to the same painter. There is also an old panel painting of Umbrian-Marche art dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua.

The current condition of these works depends on the progress of the restoration.

Visiting the Church of San Matteo in Arquata del Tronto

After the damage, and with the repair works approved in 2024, the church cannot simply be considered open to visitors. Before traveling to Faete, it is advisable to ask the Comune di Arquata del Tronto (the town hall) about access to the building and the state of the works. The village itself can still be reached and seen from outside.

Where the Church of San Matteo is located

The church is at the entrance to the village of Faete, in the lower part of the village, in the municipality of Arquata del Tronto, in the Marche. The main town of the municipality is about 30 km from Ascoli Piceno and about 30 km from Norcia.

Around the Church of San Matteo

Also in Faete, climbing through the woods above the village, stands the Church of Madonna della Neve in Arquata del Tronto. It has a front portico covered by two exposed trusses and holds frescoes linked to the manner of Alemanno and Panfilo da Spoleto.

To continue a visit to Arquata del Tronto, there is the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, Arquata del Tronto. Other places of worship in the area are on the page about churches in the Sibillini Mountains.