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Church of Santo Stefano in Ussita

Church of Santo Stefano in Ussita

Type
Church
Municipality
UssitaUssita (MC)

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

The Church of Santo Stefano (Chiesa di Santo Stefano) stands in Sorbo, a hamlet of Ussita in the province of Macerata; it has a single nave and dates from the 13th century. Despite 20th-century restoration, it has kept its original structure. On the back wall it preserves a 1474 fresco attributed to Paolo da Visso and a 17th-century Baroque wooden altar. Ussita lies at the foot of Monte Bove, within the national park of the Sibillini Mountains.

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

History of the Church of Santo Stefano

The building dates from the 13th century and, despite the 1942 restoration commissioned by Senator Sili, has kept its original structure. The renovation work was carried out in 1941-42.

The historical background is that of Ussita, which was a hamlet of Visso until 1913, when it became an independent municipality.

What to see in the Church of Santo Stefano

The interior has a single nave. On the back wall is a 1474 fresco, damaged by time, which on stylistic grounds is attributed to Paolo da Visso. In the center of the same wall stands a 17th-century Baroque wooden altar. The high altar is dedicated to Santo Stefano (Saint Stephen), while the side altar is dedicated to the Madonna Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows).

Visiting the Church of Santo Stefano

The Comune (town hall) lists it as temporarily closed because of earthquake damage.

The 2016-2017 Central Italy earthquake severely damaged Ussita and made 90% of its buildings unusable. Before setting out, it is therefore wise to check that the church is accessible.

Where the Church of Santo Stefano is located

The church is just outside the village of Sorbo, in the municipality of Ussita, in the Marche region, in the province of Macerata. The municipal territory is scattered across numerous hamlets, all on the slopes of Monte Bove, and the town hall is in Fluminata.

Around the Church of Santo Stefano in Ussita

Other old churches can be visited in the Ussita area. The church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio in Casali is an old Benedictine monastic cell, consecrated in 1093. The church of Santa Maria Assunta in Pieve is Gothic, from the 14th century, and was completed in 1389. After its early 20th-century restoration it was made unusable by the 1997 earthquake, and it was also badly damaged in 2016.

Walkers can follow the woodland trail from Castelfantellino to Calcara, where the Fontana del Fantasma (Ghost Fountain) is linked to a local legend. In Frontignano, in winter, there are ski runs and lifts. In summer, Nordic walking is practiced in the municipality. Other churches in the area are on the page dedicated to the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of Santo Stefano in Ussita open to the public?

The Comune lists it as temporarily closed because of earthquake damage. Ussita was hit hard by the 2016-2017 earthquake, which made 90% of its buildings unusable. It is therefore wise to check whether the church is accessible before going there.

What period does the Church of Santo Stefano in Ussita date from?

The church dates from the 13th century and has a single nave. It was renovated in 1941-42 and has kept its original structure. On the back wall there is a fresco dated 1474.

Who painted the fresco in the Church of Santo Stefano?

The 1474 fresco on the back wall is attributed to Paolo da Visso. The attribution is based on stylistic grounds, because the work has deteriorated over time. In the center of the same wall is a 17th-century Baroque wooden altar.

Which other churches can be seen in Ussita?

Ussita has the church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio in Casali, consecrated in 1093, and the Gothic church of Santa Maria Assunta in Pieve, completed in 1389. A list of other places of worship in the area is on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.

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