Church of San Silvestro (Arquata del Tronto)

History of the Church of San Silvestro in Arquata del Tronto

The church dates from the Renaissance. The date 1510 is carved above the entrance. Restoration of the paintings showed that the lower part, beneath the large frescoes, dates back to the 14th century. In all likelihood the building was constructed on a site already associated with nature cults.

A tradition tells that the image of the Madonna del Chiarino, brought here from the ancient hermitage, kept disappearing and was found each time in the mountains. This stopped when a window was opened in the church that kept her facing toward the hermitage.

What to see in the Church of San Silvestro

The first thing to look at is the exterior. On the bell gable hangs a bronze bell with Gothic inscriptions, dated 1389. The view takes in the Sibillini and the Monti della Laga.

Inside, the large fresco in the presbytery shows Saint Sylvester seated in papal robes, flanked by the Madonna, Saint Catherine, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. In the central pediment is a Crucifixion. Another fresco, now ruined by damp, showed Sant'Amico with an axe on his shoulder and the wolf loaded with wood.

Visiting the Church of San Silvestro

The state of the building affects any visit. After the earthquake the church was shored up. In 2019 work was being done on the facade, which was in a very severe state of structural failure. Then post-earthquake works began, which include rebuilding the roof and putting the bell back in place. Before setting out, it is advisable to ask the Comune di Arquata del Tronto (the town hall) about any reopening to the public. Even from outside, the position on the spur is worth a stop.

Colle lies at 1,115 m above sea level. Winters are harsh, with frequent snowfall, while summers are mild: access is therefore easier in the months without snow.

Where the Church of San Silvestro is located

The church stands in the hamlet of Colle d'Arquata, in the municipality of Arquata del Tronto (province of Ascoli Piceno), a few hundred meters before the village. To get there, leave the via Salaria at Trisungo and continue on the SP20, passing Faete and Spelonga.

Around the Church of San Silvestro

Higher up, on a large rock, stands the church of Santa Maria del Chiarino, an ancient hermitage. An old mule track still links it to the village of Colle. Along the climb is Spelonga, home to the Church of Sant'Agata in Arquata del Tronto.

For other religious buildings in the area, see the page about churches in the Sibillini Mountains, or the page on the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, Arquata del Tronto.