Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini

FIASTRA
Between the lake and the holy paths

Fiastra is most famous for its lake, a vast artificial reservoir formed by the construction of a dam across the river Fiastrone measuring an impressive 86 metres high and 360 metres long. In past centuries, this municipality and its valley welcomed many religious people who found its isolation ideal for meditation. Bearing witness to this are the nearby Grotta dei Frati (or “Friars’ Cave”), the Sanctuary of the Blessed Ugolino in the hamlet of Fiegni and the churches of St Paul and St Mark. These are some of the stop offs on the many tracks that saints and pilgrims have beaten in the Park area, creating a dense network of holy paths.

TO VISIT Si parte dalla chiesa di San Rocco (1) nel cui interno si trovano una tela dipinta ad olio, raffigurante St Carlo Borromeo and fine paintings depicting the Madonna of Loreto, St Sebastian and St Rocco. Further on is the abbey of St Paul the Apostle (2) built in Romanesque style in the 11th century. Inside is a painting of the conversion of St Paul, a wooden sculpture of the Madonna with Child, and a Baroque-style crucifix. Next to the church stands the bell tower built in 1914 on the site of its predecessor from 1834. Behind the church you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake of Fiastra (3). From the church, you can continue to the Monument to the Fallen (4). From here you can admire the ruins of the ancient Castrum Flastrae (5) where the Mayor resided and where the populations of the valley took refuge during enemy invasions. In the Cupolo locality you will find a typical peasant home (6) and the ruined church of John the Baptist (7).