Church of San Cristoforo (Ascoli Piceno)
The Church of San Cristoforo (Chiesa di San Cristoforo) in Ascoli Piceno, also called the church of the Confraternita della Buona Morte (Confraternity of the Good Death), is a Catholic place of worship in the historic center, in the Santa Maria Intervineas quarter. The building is Baroque and was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century on the site of an older church. Its single-nave interior holds altars in local Ascoli gypsum (gessone ascolano), paintings by artists from the area and a pipe organ from 1763.
Church of San Cristoforo (Ascoli Piceno)
- Type
- Church
- Address
- Via Giuseppe SacconiAscoli Piceno (AP)
- e.nevigari@ap.chiesacattolica.it
Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
History of the Church of San Cristoforo
The church stands where another church, dating from the 14th century, once stood. The present building was rebuilt between 1593 and 1598, while the facade dates from 1603. Work was only fully completed in 1790. The building began as the oratory of the Confraternita della Buona Morte, a group that often assisted people sentenced to death.
What to see in the Church of San Cristoforo
The interior has three Baroque altars in Ascoli gypsum, attributed to Giuseppe Giosafatti. The left altar, almost identical to the one opposite, was probably made later by Lazzaro Giosafatti. It holds the Madonna dei Sette Dolori (Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows), by an anonymous 17th-century artist.
On the high altar is a canvas by Lodovico Trasi showing San Cristoforo and Sant'Emidio. The same artist painted the Miracle of San Nicola di Bari on the right altar. On the right wall hangs Le anime purganti (The Souls in Purgatory) by Nicola Monti.
The pipe organ is dated 1763 and is by Gaetano Callido (op. 3). It is the oldest surviving work by the famous organ builder.
Outside, the facade is plain and plastered. The travertine portal bears the inscription "DOMUS MEA EST DOMUS ORATIONIS" on its lintel. On the side facing corso Mazzini there is a sundial. Near the east corner is the Fonte dei Cani, a fountain built in 1823 by Ignazio Cantalamessa. Its basin rests on the backs of two crouching 13th-century lions.
Visiting the Church of San Cristoforo
Before planning a visit, it is worth checking that the church is open. The sundial, the portal and the Fonte dei Cani can be seen on the outside of the building.
Where the Church of San Cristoforo is
The church is in the historic center of Ascoli Piceno, in the Santa Maria Intervineas quarter. One side of the building faces corso Mazzini.
Around the Church of San Cristoforo
To continue exploring the city, the page on things to do in Ascoli Piceno gathers the other places of interest.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Church of San Cristoforo called the church of the Buona Morte?
What works of art are inside the Church of San Cristoforo?
What is the Fonte dei Cani near the Church of San Cristoforo?
Nearby
What to see nearby
- Decumanus Maximus (Ascoli Piceno)Ruins or archaeological siteunder 100 m
- 200 m
- National Archaeological Museum of Ascoli PicenoMuseum or art gallery200 m
Where to stay
- under 100 m
- Rifugio Collina del Sacro Cuore in Ascoli PicenoMountain hutunder 100 m
- under 100 m
Where to eat
- under 100 m
- Io e Alessia, Ascoli PicenoRestaurantunder 100 m
- TAMA Caffè, Ascoli PicenoBar and caféunder 100 m
Straight-line distances.