Pastina: Churches, Mountain Landscape and Evolved Settlement Structure

Pastina combines an evolved settlement structure with churches, mountain landscape and cultural and historical attractions in the surrounding area. Some houses partially use the exposed rock as part of their construction; at the same time, the houses in the village are grouped into blocks from different construction periods. The villagescape comprises individual structures, groups of houses and the Apennine landscape setting. For orientation on site, the groups of houses can be considered in connection with the exposed rock and the Apennine setting.

Churches and religious buildings

The Church of Sant’Anatolia Vecchia dates from the 16th century and is located not far from the inhabited center of Pastina. Sant'Anatolia Nuova was built at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century as a closer and more convenient place of worship for residents than the old Church of Sant'Anatolia, which is farther from the village. In the settlement areas of Casebianche, Pastina and Pedara, there are also religious buildings constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries. For those interested in culture, the religious architectural heritage includes both the church near the inhabited center and religious buildings in several settlement areas. The religious buildings thus extend geographically beyond a single church location.

Route and access

Route No. 403 begins at the Church of Sant’Anatolia in Pastina at an elevation of 781 meters and ends at Passo di Galluccio at an elevation of 1,197 meters. To reach Pastina, take the turnoff to Agelli from SS 78 “Picena,” continue for another 10 kilometers after this village, and then follow the road to Pastina. The road approach via Agelli leads to the village, while Route No. 403 begins only at the church in Pastina. For hiking planning, the church in Pastina therefore counts as the starting point, while Agelli is part of the approach route. The two elevations mark the route between the village area and the pass.

Apennine landscape and mountains

Pastina is located in the AV156 landscape conservation zone. This includes the hills and mountains of the Apennines as well as medieval settlements and is recognized as an area of significant public interest. Monterone, a peak, is located in the surroundings of Pastina. Monte Teglia and Monte Vettore, both mountains, are also located in the surrounding area; Monte Camperi, a mountain, is situated in the immediate vicinity. The landscape setting thus extends from the protected Apennine landscape to individual elevations around Pastina.

Castles, ancient site and museum

Castel di Luco, a castle, is located in the surroundings of Pastina. Rocca di Arquata, also a castle, is situated in the same area. The Area Archeologica del Teatro Romano, an ancient site, is part of the same surroundings. The Musei della Cartiera Papale are a museum. For those interested in culture, the area around Pastina therefore offers castles, an ancient site and a museum.

More destinations

More destinations: San Silvestro, Pedaso, Rotella, Marsia, Montelparo, Monteprandone, Monsampolo Del Tronto, Ponzano

To the main travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.