Santa Maria in Casalicchio (Montemonaco)

The history of Santa Maria in Casalicchio

Pope Boniface VIII already mentioned the church in a letter on extraordinary tithes dated December 4, 1299. In the Middle Ages people came here to swear or legalize oaths. Tradition holds that Giacomo della Marca also came here, with the delegations of Monteprandone and Acquaviva Picena, to settle a boundary dispute.

On the feast of the Assumption, the four captains of the free commune of Montemonaco led the inhabitants of their own quarters to the church to pray for the preservation of peace. The church depended on the Pieve di Sant'Angelo in Montespino, near Montefortino. Only in 1586 was it annexed, together with the other churches of Montemonaco, to the new diocese of Montalto Marche. In 1993 the bishop of Montalto, Monsignor Chiaretti, raised it to the status of a Marian sanctuary.

Originally the church had a single nave. In the mid-15th century the second aisle was added on the left by opening pointed arches. A plaque bearing the date 1612 records further restoration work carried out that year.

What to see at Santa Maria in Casalicchio

The main interest lies in the frescoes. In the right aisle you can make out Christ Pantocrator in a mandorla held up by angels, with the praying Virgin and Saint John on either side. Next to it is the Crucifixion, with angels collecting Christ's blood in chalices and soldiers in medieval armor. The right-hand lunette shows the "Dormitio Virginis", damaged by a small window opened at a later date. The ribs of the vault are painted with the Evangelists in the act of writing, and the roundels at the base with the Doctors of the Church.

The 16th-century frescoes are attributed to Vitruccio Vergari of Amandola. Other wall paintings, probably from the 17th century, decorate the altar of San Sebastiano and the altar of the Madonna. On the outside the only decoration consists of two carved stars, one with five points and one with six, on either side of a single-light window. The square-based bell tower, at the back on the left, was also used to watch enemy movements and to sound the alarm with the bells.

How to visit Santa Maria in Casalicchio

Before setting out, it is best to ask the Comune (town hall) or the Pro Loco of Montemonaco whether the interior can be visited.

The liveliest day is January 20. For the feast of San Sebastiano, the townspeople and the municipal authorities walk in procession down to the sanctuary, renewing an ancient vow against the plague. In 2024 the historical procession set off from Piazza Roma in Montemonaco and was followed by Mass celebrated by the bishop.

The church can also be reached on foot. A loop hike from Montemonaco takes in the Sentiero della Macchinetta, a stretch of the Grande Anello dei Sibillini and the church. The return leg passes through the Bosco dei Mazzamurelli woods.

Where Santa Maria in Casalicchio is located

The church stands at Tofe, a few kilometers from Montemonaco. It comes after the hamlet of Pignotti, on the left as you climb toward Tofe. The area lies within the Sibillini National Park.

Around Santa Maria in Casalicchio

There are other places of worship in the Montemonaco area. Among them are the churches of San Giorgio all'Isola and San Lorenzo in Vallegrascia, which belonged to the Abbey of Farfa in the Middle Ages. In Montemonaco you can also visit the Casa Gioiosa Chapel (Montemonaco), while a broader overview is on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.