San Procolo in Cascia (Avendita)

History of San Procolo in Avendita

The church is mentioned from the 14th century, but it is probably older, as suggested by its unusual dedication to San Procolo, a Syrian hermit monk. The exterior has been completely renovated and no longer shows traces of the original building. Avendita grew up on a Roman or pre-Roman settlement. Finds and Latin inscriptions have come to light mainly near the church.

Among the features of the village is the small pieve dedicated to San Procolo. The 1979 earthquake brought down the wall above the choir loft and wrecked the organ. In 2016 it was hit again.

What to see at San Procolo

The building has a single nave, Baroque altars and canvases, including a copy of Reni's San Michele Arcangelo (1797). There is also a 16th-century polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna and Child.

The best-known piece is the late 16th-century organ. It came from Spoleto Cathedral and in 1627 was bought by the nuns of the Basilica di Santa Rita in Cascia. In 1860 it was moved to San Procolo. Only two late 16th-century organs remain in Umbria, at Avendita and at Trevi. After the 2016 damage the instrument was moved to Spoleto, to the Deposito Beni Culturali (cultural heritage storage facility). Among the works recovered after the earthquake is also a restored 16th-century polychrome wooden sculpture of San Procolo.

How to visit San Procolo

It is worth checking with the town of Cascia or the parish before going. The approved project, worth 2.5 million euros, includes dismantling the bell chamber and rebuilding the roof with a wooden truss.

Where San Procolo is located

The church stands in Avendita, a hamlet of Cascia at 873 m above sea level. The village overlooks the plateau of the same name and lies on the road linking Cascia to Norcia through the Valle Onica.

Around San Procolo in Cascia

Some traditions are still alive in Avendita. From 2 to 6 January the Pasquarelle take place, with songs sung from house to house. On 15 August, at dawn, a pilgrimage reaches the church of the Madonna di Viezzu, far from the village and accessible only by a mule track. Other places of worship in the area are on the page on churches of the Sibillini Mountains.