Church of Madonna del Vallone in Fiastra

History of the Church of Madonna del Vallone

The building dates from the 17th century and has been a Marian sanctuary since 1747. The bell tower is not beside the church, as usually happens, but higher up, toward the village of Campicino. It was placed there for acoustic reasons: the sound of the bells had to reach as many of the faithful as possible.

Inside is the statue of the Madonna del Vallone, venerated since very ancient times. She was celebrated at carnival time with the feast of the "Quarant'ore" (Forty Hours). For the occasion the high altar was extended at the sides and the candles rose in tiers up to the image of the Virgin. After the service the games began.

What to see in the Church of Madonna del Vallone

The white plastered facade has terracotta and stone moldings and a double pediment. The round-arched portal is topped by a small pronaos, with two empty niches on either side.

The interior has a single nave. It houses seven Baroque wooden altars: three on each side and the high altar. The latter holds a panel painting of the Madonna and Child, datable to between the late 16th and early 17th century. Among the canvases, a 17th-century Deposition stands out, attributed to Lorenzo Garbieri and placed at the first altar on the left.

Visiting the Church of Madonna del Vallone

The interior may not be accessible: after the 2016 earthquake many churches in the area stayed closed for a long time. Before setting off, it is best to ask the Comune di Fiastra. Even from outside, the position below the road and the facade can be appreciated. The church is also linked to the "Sibillini Rebirth – Primo anello" trail.

Where the Church of Madonna del Vallone is located

The church is in Acquacanina, in the municipality of Fiastra, in the province of Macerata. Until December 31, 2016, Acquacanina was an independent municipality. The area is mountainous, at about 734 m, and in one stretch overlooks Lago di Fiastra.

Around the Church of Madonna del Vallone in Fiastra

In the Acquacanina area is the abbey of Santa Maria di Rio Sacro in Fiastra. It has a Romanesque crypt with three aisles. In Campicino are the remains of the Romanesque church of San Michele Arcangelo, with a dovecote tower. In Vallecanto the walls of the Da Varano castle can be seen and, inside them, the small church of Santa Margherita.

Other sacred buildings in the area are described on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains and on that of the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso in Fiastra.