Hermitage of San Marco

History of the Hermitage of San Marco

The earliest records date to the beginning of the 13th century, when a community of Cistercian monks settled here. A bequest in a will from 1253 already mentions the monastery. In 1289 Pope Nicholas IV granted, by papal bull, a plenary indulgence to penitents who visited it on the feast of Saint Mark.

In 1387 Bishop Antonio Archeoni suppressed the monastery and entrusted its patronage to the Sgariglia family. In 1410 the Sgariglia turned it into a small church, with the bell tower, the access stairway and the altar. After the parish church of San Bartolomeo was built in Piagge in 1474, the hermitage began to decline. At the end of the 19th century it suffered acts of vandalism. In 1908 mayor Garzia Civico had conservation work carried out. The complete restoration, with consolidation to the rock, dates from 2016.

What to see at the Hermitage of San Marco

The facade combines the bell tower, on the left, with a front featuring two tiers of mullioned windows: three windows on the lower level and two on the upper. The interior is divided into two cavities, one above the other. The lower one has a barrel-vaulted ceiling with traces of frescoes, including red eight-pointed stars. The upper one, carved out of the cave, holds three 15th-century arcosolium tombs of the Tibaldeschi family, with a coat of arms. From the mullioned windows the view looks toward Ascoli Piceno and Monte dell'Ascensione.

The hermitage is reached by a stone stairway that crosses the ravine like a bridge. It was designed by the engineer Enrico Cesari and paid for by the Comune of Ascoli with funds from the Opera Pia Sgariglia.

How to visit the Hermitage of San Marco

The walk starts from Piagge and continues on foot along a trail through the woods. The route is easy and suitable for everyone, but some stretches are slippery. Proper footwear is needed and it is a good idea to bring some water.

Today the hermitage is looked after by the Templari Cattolici d'Italia, who handle the openings. Before setting out, it is best to check opening days with the association.

Where the Hermitage of San Marco is

The hermitage stands on Colle San Marco, south of the center of Ascoli Piceno, near the hamlet of Piagge. The starting point for the climb is Piagge.

Near the Hermitage of San Marco

From the hermitage, Piazza del Popolo and the Chiesa di San Francesco in the historic center of Ascoli can be picked out. To round out the day in town, see the page about things to do in Ascoli Piceno.