Located in one of the most evocative landscapes of the Marche hinterland, the Abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse stands nestled between the rock walls of the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Park, near the village of Genga. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture is one of the most representative religious monuments of the Marche region.
The church was built by the Lombards at the end of the 10th century and owes its name “alle Chiuse” precisely to its geographical position, since it appears “closed” between the mountains. Its present appearance, austere and compact, dates back to a 14th-15th century reconstruction, which preserved intact the original stylistic elements.
The structure, made of limestone, has a Greek-cross plan with four mighty interior pillars supporting a central dome. The interior is bare, devoid of decoration and dimly lit, but retains a mystical, archaic charm. The wide round arches, silence and simplicity of the environment convey a feeling of deep spirituality.
A curious detail attracts visitors’ attention: near the left altar door, carved into the stone, an inverted infinity symbol is visible, the origin of which remains mysterious. Some interpretations associate it with the ancient Templars, hypothesizing an esoteric meaning.
Just a short walk from the Abbey are the Frasassi Caves, one of Europe’s best-known speleological wonders, and the Frasassi Spa, dating from 1922 but exploited since Roman times. The entire area offers a perfect blend of history, nature and spirituality, making San Vittore alle Chiuse a must-see for those visiting the upper Sentino Valley.
