Church of San Paolo Apostolo (Fiastra)

History of the Church of San Paolo Apostolo in Fiastra

The church of San Paolo dates back to the 11th century, in Romanesque style. In 1234 it passed to the Cistercian reform and remained linked to the abbey of Santa Maria di Chiaravalle di Fiastra until 1302.

Right beside the church rises the bell tower, built in 1914 on top of the previous one, which dated back to 1834.

What to see in the Church of San Paolo Apostolo

The building has three naves. Outside, the facade shows signs of later interventions, such as the side buttresses and the windows in place of the rose window. The round-arched white stone portal with a small cross, on the other hand, is original.

Among the works recorded is the canvas of the Conversion of Saint Paul, from around 1700, attributed to Giovan Battista Gaulli, known as il Baciccia (1639-1709). A wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child and a Baroque crucifix are also mentioned.

Visiting the Church of San Paolo Apostolo

The 2016 earthquake damaged it, and for a long time the interior could not be visited. A repair project is planned, including strengthening the masonry, consolidating the vaults and roofs, and architectural restoration. Before setting out, it is advisable to check on the state of the works and the accessibility of the area.

From the center of the village it is a short walk.

Where the Church of San Paolo Apostolo is located

The church is in the municipality of Fiastra, in the province of Macerata. It stands on the hill overlooking the village, beside the Magalotti castle, and from there the Lago di Fiastra (Lake Fiastra) can be seen.

Around the Church of San Paolo Apostolo

Lago di Fiastra is an artificial reservoir created on the Fiastrone river with a dam 86 m high and 360 m long. In the hamlet of Fiegni is the Santuario del Beato Ugolino, while the Grotta dei Frati is a karst cave at about 600 m above sea level, above the Gole del Fiastrone (Fiastrone gorges). These places are part of the Park's network of paths of faith.

The same municipality is also home to the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso in Fiastra. For other places of worship in the area, see the page on churches in the Sibillini Mountains.