Church Santa Maria di Manù: a Romanesque jewel in the Marche hills

To discover the Church of Santa Maria di Manù is to immerse oneself in a journey of art, faith and beauty, to discover an authentic and among the least known corners of the Marche region. It is part of the Itinerary of Silence in Lapedona, which contains several architectural gems that enchant at first sight.

Its ancient façade and interiors rich in artistic details tell centuries of history: they guard legends and symbols linked to the local faith, thus creating a place enveloped in an aura of mystery, inviting one to discover its most hidden secrets. Its location, halfway between the hills and the sea, will leave you breathless from the view it offers.

Are you ready to be enchanted by the Romanesque style of the Church of Santa Maria di Manù?

The Church of Santa Maria of Manù has simple lines and differs from the other Romanesque-style buildings you can see in Lapedona. It is also called Madonna delle Noci (Our Lady of the Walnuts) because in the past, after Mass, it was the perfect place to play castelletti di noci (walnut bowling), a game that recalls bowling using walnuts arranged in pyramids. Over the centuries, it has witnessed various historical and religious events and restorations have preserved its beauty.

Its origin dates back to the 10th century, when it was built on land that was part of the Benedictine possessions of Montecassino. The name is of Hebrew origin, it recalls the concept of ‘manna’ and is written on an inscription visible on the exterior decorations.

In the 15th century, a polyptych was created by Cristoforo Cortese. It consists of five panels, each with its own frame: the Virgin is depicted in the centre, St Catherine of Alexandria and St Flavianus on the left and St Cyriac deacon and St Anthony Abbot on the right.

It was part of the assets of the Abbey of Montecassino donated with all its possessions to the Diocese of Fermo. Later, in 1926, it was transferred to Altidona and restored on several occasions.

The building consists of a single nave and features a fresco of Our Lady of Milk, depicting Mary nursing Jesus. The walls are adorned with small windows that allow enough light to filter through to allow it to be observed even from the outside in all its beauty.

Initially, it was dedicated solely to the Virgin Mary, and some documents from the 1500s indicate that the words Manù were added. There is also a tile under the cornice of the church with an inscription in ancient Hebrew: ‘Manhu’ meaning ‘what is this?’. Hence the name added later. On the other hand, the presence of the figure of a daisy with eight petals on this tile recalls a common symbol in the Templar tradition.

Manù is also linked to the concept of salvific manna, which is associated with the Virgin Mary and fertility, and thus related to the fresco inside the Church. The manna, from an iconographic point of view, represents the food sent by God to the earth to feed the people of Israel: they are all suggestions of prosperity, fertility and

There are therefore several cues that amplify the religious significance of the elements present and contribute to making the visit a unique and fascinating experience.

The Church of Santa Maria of Manù has architectural details that are very interesting from an artistic point of view. The material used for the construction, sandstone ashlars, make the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The hanging arches that descend from the eaves make the structure less heavy on the eye and enrich the overall appearance of the building.

The entrance is a simple doorway but with unusual decorations that attract attention. Inside, however, the simplicity of the place is enriched by decorated capitals that harmonise perfectly with the other decorative elements.

I lavori di restauro eseguiti nel corso degli anni hanno consentito di recuperare lo splendore originario e di mantenere vivo l’interesse sia verso i turisti, sia verso la comunità di Lapedona. Questo luogo di culto è una delle tappe che riscontra maggiore apprezzamento dai visitatori di Lapedona ed è considerato molto suggestivo.

The context in which the Church of Santa Maria of Manù is located looks like a natural painting. Surrounded by cultivated land and fields, it looks like an oasis of peace and spirituality set in a large green meadow. The view as far as the Adriatic Sea invites meditation and total relaxation.

It is exactly for this reason that many tourists dwell in its surroundings even after visiting the church, breathing in the historical atmosphere left by the many wayfarers and pilgrims who over the centuries have regarded it as a landmark.

The stopover will take you on a journey through time, discovering a priceless artistic and cultural heritage. It is linked to all the historical buildings preserved in Lapedona that allow you to embark on an itinerary to discover a glorious past.

To get to this small church, take the road leading to Lapedona, starting from the Adriatica state road. It is located on a side street adorned with a row of cypress trees that accompanies visitors to the entrance. This district is actually named after the Madonna Manù. The beauty of the surrounding landscape helps one appreciate the journey.

It was built in a strategic position overlooking the sea: during the Middle Ages, it was possible to watch over the maritime port of San Biagio from here, which was of great importance for commercial activities. It stood out from the coast and was considered an ideal place to stop and pray.

The best time to visit it is on the occasion of its feast day, 8 September, but arriving at any time of the year you can see its interior from the stained glass windows. Don't miss the opportunity to admire this unique place during your next visit to Lapedona!