Coldellanoce: Church, Art and Trails in the Valley

Coldellanoce offers several specific points of interest for a stay combining culture and outdoor activities: the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire, the small castle, and hiking trails through a landscape shaped by named mountains. Church art, historical family connections and different route details each offer a distinct focus; you can weigh up the specific details to decide which ones should shape your trip.

Art and Church History

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire was extensively rebuilt in its present form in 1854 under Don Giuseppe Bartoletti. According to the municipality’s visitor information, it is open during the day; check these details before your visit. The building’s history and artworks span different periods: the church contains a triptych dated 1471 and a 16th-century fresco.

The triptych by Matteo da Gualdo depicts the Madonna and Child enthroned, with Saints Lorenzo and Sebastian. Known as the Trittico di Coldellanoce, it is one of the few surviving works from Matteo da Gualdo’s workshop outside present-day Umbria. The fresco depicts the Madonna del Rosario and is attributed to Ramazzani from Arcevia. Dated to the 16th century, it is a later work alongside the precisely dated triptych.

The church complex also includes the Cripta del Volto Santo.

The Castle and Local History

The small castle of Coldellanoce is attributed to the Federici di Collenuccio family and dated to around 1220. Historically, it was first associated with the Federici or Federicucci family and later with the Collenuccio family. These family connections offer a distinct way to explore local history, separate from the church’s sacred artworks. The approximate date of around 1220 is well before the rebuilding of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire in 1854; together, the two sites point to different chapters in local history.

The Valley and Hiking Trails

Coldellanoce lies at the entrance to the valley formed by the mountains Gallo, Le Siere and Puro. CAI Trail 156 leads from Parco Collenuccio via Bosco to Sentinum. CAI Trail 148 connects Coldellanoce to Val della Fratta via waypoints 152 and 153. Trail 148 is listed as difficulty E, 6.2 km long, with a walking time of two hours and an ascent of 354 m.

The two trail descriptions provide different kinds of guidance: Trail 156 lists the sequence of places along the way to the destination, while Trail 148 also gives the distance, walking time and ascent. When planning, you can therefore consider whether the route sequence or the specific distance details matter most to you.

Another hiking option is stage 24 of the Viae Sancti Romualdi, which runs from Pascelupo to Sassoferrato through the park dedicated to Pandolfo Collenuccio. As route information can change, check the latest stage details before setting out.

Visitor Information

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire is 6 km from Sassoferrato. For directions, the municipal route information mentions the SS Arceviese towards Scheggia and a left turn immediately after the level crossing. Along with the daytime opening hours, these are practical details for planning a visit to the church; the artworks, castle and different hiking routes can each be considered as a focus for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ostra, Sirolo, San Sabino, Fabriano, Bettolelle, Campodiegoli, Arcevia, Ancona

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