Church of Immacolata Concezione

History of the Church of Immacolata Concezione in Ascoli Piceno

Marcucci founded the congregation on December 8, 1744. The first church was later set up in a ground-floor storeroom of the original house. The space was too small, so over the years the founder bought most of the houses, gardens and outbuildings around the convent.

Approval to build the church and convent came in 1780. The design was by Pietro Maggi, but Marcucci oversaw it from Rome, sending drawings and instructions. In 1793 the painted decoration of the dome completed the church, which was consecrated on September 13, 1795. Marcucci died on July 12, 1798.

During the Napoleonic occupation the nuns had to leave the convent, where the French army was quartered. They were later restored to their rights.

What to see in the Church of Immacolata Concezione

Outside, the striking feature is the flat two-level facade, marked by pilasters. Above the door are the hooks that held the coat of arms of the Immacolata, stolen at the time of the Napoleonic invasions. The octagonal outer walls converge into a segmented dome enclosed in a tall drum.

Inside, the high altar holds an altarpiece by Nicola Monti with the Immaculate Virgin between Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. The longitudinal axis is marked by two side altars. To the left of the high altar a small chapel holds Marcucci's remains. The small choir lofts, closed by wooden grilles, open in the walls like framed rectangular cuts. Some prophets are depicted on the dome.

How to visit the Church of Immacolata Concezione

The church is part of the convent of the Suore Pie Operaie dell'Immacolata Concezione. To find out whether it is open and on which days, it is best to contact the institute before setting off. In the past the complex has also been opened to the public for the FAI spring days (Giornate FAI di primavera). The Museo Biblioteca Francesco Antonio Marcucci, linked to the convent, offers guided tours.

Where the Church of Immacolata Concezione is

The church stands in the historic center of Ascoli Piceno, in the San Giacomo district, in the same block as the seat of the congregation. Arriving by car, leave the A14 at San Benedetto del Tronto and continue on the Ascoli-Mare expressway to the Porta Cartara exit. The nearest parking area for buses is at Porta Romana in Ascoli Piceno.

Near the Church of Immacolata Concezione in Ascoli Piceno

A few steps away is the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo, the first place of prayer of the Concezioniste. It is a Romanesque travertine church, built after the middle of the 13th century, with fragments of 13th- and 14th-century frescoes. To continue a visit to the city, the page on things to do in Ascoli Piceno is useful. On the founder, there is also the page on the Bust of the Venerable Francesco Antonio Marcucci in Ascoli Piceno.