Santa Maria di Rio Sacro in Fiastra

History of Santa Maria di Rio Sacro

In the Rio Sacro valley, between Monte Valdifibbia and Monte Pietralata, stood the abbey of San Salvatore, founded in the 6th century by Benedictine monks, who later adopted the Camaldolese reform. It took its name from a wooden Crucifix kept inside. A papal bull of 1192 placed nine churches under the monastery's jurisdiction.

In the 16th century the administration passed to commendatory abbots, who squandered the abbey's assets. The monks then moved to the church of Santa Maria near Meriggio, which they had founded around the year 1000. The church was enlarged and became the present abbey. Almost nothing remains of the old monastery: a few traces can be glimpsed in the woods.

What to see at Santa Maria di Rio Sacro

The building is oriented east to west. The main entrance is in the western facade and the bell tower is on the east side. Two side wings flank the church, and the one on the right has two apses.

The Romanesque crypt is dug out beneath the central apse. It has three naves divided by columns and pillars of sponge stone (pietra spugna). A small window above a monolithic altar lets in the morning light.

The works kept here include a 1490 fresco of Saint Sebastian, attributed to Girolamo di Giovanni and taken from the nearby church of San Michele, now in ruins. There are also a small octagonal canvas attributed to Maratti and a 15th-century wooden statue of the Madonna and Child.

How to visit Santa Maria di Rio Sacro

The 2016 earthquake badly damaged the abbey, so a visit to the interior cannot be counted on. Before setting out, it is worth asking the town of Fiastra or the tourist offices for updates.

Where Santa Maria di Rio Sacro is located

The abbey stands north of the village of Meriggio, on the left bank of the Fiastrone. It lies at the foot of the Colle di Meriggio, on the northern slopes of Monte Val di Fibbia. From Piedicolle, the main village of Acquacanina, Meriggio is reached by following the signs: the road descends to the river and climbs up the opposite side.

Around Santa Maria di Rio Sacro in Fiastra

Lago di Fiastra is nearby. A short way east of the abbey, in the hamlet of Piedicolle, is the sanctuary of the Madonna del Vallone.

A mountain bike route starts from Acquacanina, just before the church, and climbs the Rio Sacro valley up to the gorge. Other religious buildings in the area are gathered on the page on churches of the Sibillini Mountains.