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Churches
and Sanctuaries
It
is sufficient to travel along the winding roads and cross the spectacular
countryside of the Marches to grasp the profound religious devotion that
characterizes the inhabitants of this region. Many small and at times
weird votive niches are scattered close to streets, crossroads and
hamlets, bearing witness to the religious beliefs of the inhabitants.
These
works of rural architecture often go unnoticed, yet they represent the
fine map of the many places of worship in the Marches. This region has
been the native land of many saints and Popes.
The
numerous abbeys scattered in the territory were built in the Middle Ages
to provide hospitality to the poor and the weak. They were organized by
monks as real independent feuds, and they still keep the magical silence
which has always inspired meditation and contemplation, in the fascination
of simple architectural structures.
Churches
and sanctuaries were built in many villages and towns, and they are still
visited by many tourists, scholars and worshippers. Examples include the
Camaldolensian hermitage of Mount Giove, Santa Croce of Fonte
Avellana, the San Vincenzo abbey in Furlo (founded in the 6th
century), San Michele Arcangelo in Lamoli and the abbeys Santa
Maria of Lastreto, San Cassiano in Valbagnola, San Biagio in Caprile and
San Vittore alle Chiuse on the Romea and Flaminia roads, the
valuable church Santa Maria of Portonovo, the abbey San Piero (on
the Conero Mount), the miraculous Basilica of the Holy house in Loreto,
the basilica San Nicola in Tolentino (on whose territory the
important Abbey Santa Maria of Chiaravalle was built). Other
examples onclude the abbey Santa Maria a piè di Chienti (built in
the never-ending struggle between men and the sea in Montecosaro) and the
sanctuary of the blessed Rizzerio of Muccia on the Lauretana road;
the sanctuary Santa Maria dell’Icona of Spinetoli, the abbey of
Saints Ruffino and Vitale in Amandola, and the six charming basilicas of
Ascoli Piceno, on the Sibillini Mounts close to the Salaria Road.
It
is impossible to mention all the numerous and wonderful temples of
Christian religion scattered across the Marches’ territory. Every
village and town is watched over by the reassuring profile of ancient
places of worship. Every street corner is watched over by those small and
simple niches, sincere and direct witnesses of the sacred nature of this
territory.
© 2001
Liberation Ventures Ltd.
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