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Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Valfornace

Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Valfornace
Photo: Diego Baglieri / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Valfornace

Type
Church
Municipality
PieveboviglianaValfornace (MC)

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena (Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena) in Valfornace is a Romanesque stone building standing alone at an elevation of 1,112 m in the park of the Sibillini Mountains. It lies on the slopes of Monte Fiegni, near the Poggio della Pagnotta, in the locality of Pievebovigliana, now in the municipality of Valfornace (province of Macerata). It is one of the symbolic churches of these mountains. It marks the border between the territories of four municipalities: Pievebovigliana (now Valfornace), Fiastra, Caldarola and Cessapalombo.

The church is a subsidiary of the parish of San Giusto, in the Diocese of Camerino - San Severino Marche. It is recognized as an Italian cultural heritage site.

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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

History of the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena

The Romanesque building dates from the second half of the 14th century and preserves fragments of frescoes from the late 14th century, with stylistic echoes of Cola di Pietro. It is part of the sacred landscape of the area, where an archaeological zone, perhaps linked to an ancient votive area, also lies not far away.

The history of the place is also tied to a folk tradition. On a particular day in July, people from various villages climbed the mountain to take part in a procession, and blessed bread was offered to everyone. The custom recalled the time when those working at the wheat harvest stopped work to share food. This is the origin of the name Poggio della Pagnotta ("hill of the loaf").

What to see in the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena

The exterior is plain: a rectangular stone structure with a round-arched portal and a single narrow window above the entrance. The nave has no windows. Inside there are thick pillars set against the walls.

The most interesting feature is the fragmentary frescoes, which are badly deteriorated. They depict the Crucifix, Mary Magdalene and some faces of angels. The archaeological zone can be seen near the church.

Visiting the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena

The church stands alone in a mountain setting at 1,112 m. Before setting out, it is best to ask whether it can be entered and to check the weather conditions.

Where the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is located

The church is in the locality of Piani di S. Maria Maddalena, a hamlet of Pievebovigliana, in the municipality of Valfornace. It stands on the slopes of Monte Fiegni, inside the park of the Sibillini Mountains, near the Poggio della Pagnotta.

Around the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Valfornace

Near the church are the Poggio della Pagnotta and the archaeological zone. The Valfornace area also has the Church of Rosario in Valfornace and the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso in Valfornace. Other places of worship in the area are on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

At what elevation is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Valfornace?

The church stands alone at an elevation of 1,112 m, in the park of the Sibillini Mountains, on the slopes of Monte Fiegni. It is near the Poggio della Pagnotta, in the locality of Pievebovigliana, which is part of the municipality of Valfornace, in the province of Macerata.

Which frescoes survive in the church?

Inside, fragments of frescoes from the late 14th century remain. They depict the Crucifix, Mary Magdalene and some faces of angels. They show stylistic echoes of Cola di Pietro. The frescoes are badly deteriorated, so they can only be partly seen.

Why is the nearby hill called Poggio della Pagnotta?

The name comes from an old tradition. On a particular day in July, people from various villages climbed the mountain to take part in a procession, and blessed bread was offered to everyone. The custom recalled the times when those working at the wheat harvest stopped work to share food.

Which municipalities meet at the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena?

The church is a meeting point of four municipalities: Caldarola, Cessapalombo, Fiastra and Pievebovigliana. Pievebovigliana later merged with Fiordimonte into the municipality of Valfornace. In religious terms the church is a subsidiary of the parish of San Giusto.

Nearby

What to see nearby

Where to eat

Straight-line distances.