Places of Silence in Lapedona: a meditative itinerary through the hills of the Marche region

The itinerary of silence in the village of Lapedona is not only a physical itinerary, but also a spiritual one that will help you rediscover a deep and authentic contact with yourself. The natural surroundings help you rediscover a sense of peace and serenity that will benefit your life. At the same time, you will visit historical places and monuments that contributed to the birth and expansion of the municipality into its present territory.

As you stroll among the castle ruins and along the paths winding through the woods, you will hear the tolling of bells marking time: take the opportunity to admire the vineyards and olive groves that make up pictures with unique shades of colour and enjoy your journey along the itinerary of silence!

The first stop on the itinerary of silence that takes us to discover Lapedona is the rural Church of the Madonna Manù. Getting to this place of worship is easy, you take a branch of the state road that leads from the sea towards the centre of the village. It is a road with little traffic, pleasant to travel on foot or by bicycle.

The charm is due to the overall construction and the context in which it is set: nature is lush, the silence invites meditation and restores a sense of peace and serenity. The church is built of stone in a simple style, the interior is enriched by frescoes that are also visible from the outside. A beginning that tells stories of faith and popular devotion.

We continue our itinerary in search of silence and arrive at the Romanesque Church of San Pietro. From the first stop it takes about 35 minutes on foot, but it will be a pleasant walk in contact with nature. It is another jewel of Lapedona's artistic and religious heritage, characterised by an atmosphere of recollection and spirituality.

The building dates back to Romanesque times, but some parts were modified in the 19th century. It is located at the entrance to the village cemetery. Inside, it has six columns with different capitals. Its austerity reflects its thousand-year history and its aura of sacredness: it is an ideal place to meditate and reflect on one's existence.

With a shorter journey than the previous one, we arrive at the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli: it will take you about ten minutes to discover a small jewel that cannot be missing from our itinerary of silence. The bell tower is not large, appropriate for the size of the structure.

Inside you can admire the frescoes that bear the signs of time and humidity: despite this they are of rare beauty and frame an ideal place for prayer and a path of introspection.

After this pleasant stop, we can take a break at the Romanesque Church of San Quirico and Giulitta. The village of Lapedona is on a human scale, we get there in 8 minutes, a short walk that allows us to admire the surrounding area. It was built in the Romanesque style and once had a door communicating with the monastery.

The vaults, originally barrel vaults, have been replaced by cross vaults. Immersed in the tranquillity of the rural landscape, it preserves an architectural simplicity that invites reflection and recollection. The capitals of the columns delimiting the interior sections are strikingly decorated with geometric figures, serpentines and the biblical symbols of the four evangelists.

The Bosco della Madonna Bruna is a fascinating and evocative place in Lapedona, an integral part of the itinerary of silence. It stands out for its mystical atmosphere, where the deep green of the trees and the filtering light create an ideal setting for those seeking peace and connection with nature. Filled with shady paths and hidden corners, this almost magical place invites visitors to stroll in silence, adjusting to the sounds of nature.

The name Madonna Bruna recalls a deep tradition of devotion linked to an ancient dark-coloured image of the Madonna, venerated by locals for centuries. According to legend, the forest harbours a special spiritual energy, making it perfect for meditation and reflection practices. A natural refuge where one can slow down the pace and rediscover the regenerating power of nature...

Our last stop on the itinerary of silence in Lapedona gives us a wonderful panorama. In fact, the strategic location of the Convent of  Saltareccio gives it a kind of intimacy, hidden among plants and shrubs, as well as a view of the surrounding hills and cultivated fields.

The building is currently privately owned but has great historical and cultural value. The life of the village of Lapedona began here before the medieval castle was built. It became a convent and was a place of refuge for Augustinian monks and later for a small community of minor Franciscan friars. From here you can start your descent towards the sea and take sweet memories with you, crossing a dirt road that is safe to walk along because very few cars pass by. What will this new itinerary to discover Lapedona leave you with?

A trip to Lapedona is a plunge into the past, an immersion in a thousand-year history that can be felt in every corner of the village and its surroundings. Strolling through its streets, visiting its monuments and getting lost in its woods, you can rediscover the value of small things and rediscover a deep sense of peace.

The itinerary of silence represents an opportunity to live an authentic experience of reconnection with nature and with yourself: visit the village of Lapedona, let yourself be guided by the slow rhythms of the Marche countryside and be enchanted by its timeless beauty.