Lapedona between church art and a walled town center

Lapedona preserves its original structure in the historic center as a walled „castello fermano“. Two entrance gates belong to this center; only one of them is accessible by vehicle. When arriving by car, the accessible gate is therefore a specific point of reference in the historic center.

Churches and Art in Lapedona

The Chiesa di Madonna Manù contains a fresco of the Madonna del Latte, depicting Mary breastfeeding Jesus. The church was built in the 10th century and is a single-nave Romanesque building made of sandstone blocks. On September 8, the feast day of Madonna Manù and the liturgical feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Chiesa di Madonna Manù can be visited.

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo contains a wooden crucifix from the 16th century as well as an organ by Gaetano Callido, which is once again being used for concerts.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli is also known as ad Nivem. In the Borgo castellano of Lapedona, it preserves frescoes from the 15th century. The Chiesa di S. Pietro was probably built at the beginning of the 11th century, but no later than September 1028. Historically, it was cared for by Benedictine monks from the Santa Croce di Fonte Avellana Abbey.

Landscape and Excursion Planning

The grounds of the Convento di Saltareccio can be reached via a picturesque white unpaved road. The road leads through the fields to a preserved church and the remains of the monastery buildings on a wooded hill. Lapedona itself is a walled village overlooking Fermo and the surrounding countryside. Route planning here therefore includes both the white unpaved section and the wooded hill.

Another option for excursion planning is the „Fermo–Torre di Palme–Lapedona–Torre di Palme“ route. It is designed as a simple loop, begins in the center of Torre di Palme, passes through the Cugnolo forest, and reaches the village of Madonna Manù via ascents and descents. For timing the simple loop, the ascents and descents should be considered as a separate part of the route. The loop begins and ends in Torre di Palme and also passes through Lapedona.

Local Flavors

The Sagra degli Gnocchi takes place every year in Lapedona and is considered the most important summer event in the program of the Pro Loco of Lapedona. The festival adds a culinary highlight to the town’s annual calendar.

Beneath the Chiesa di San Nicolò is a room used as the cellar of the Pro Loco. It contains barrels of locally produced vino cotto.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

Also discover Belmonte Piceno, Smerillo, Ortezzano, Altidona, Servigliano, Grottazzolina, Porto Sant'elpidio and Montegranaro.

For the higher-level travel overview: Fermo.