Madonna dell'Acquanera
The place
Hermitage-sanctuary at about 700-722 m on the slopes of Monte Acuto, less than 3 km from the hamlet of Buonconsiglio, municipality of Frontone (Pesaro-Urbino, Marche, Italy). Origins going back to the year 1000, first written mention of the church and its attached hermitage in 1290. In 1106, the Bishop of Cagli ceded it along with its holdings to the monastery of Fonte Avellana. The name derives from “de aqua nera” (“black water”), perhaps due to the dark color of the water flowing beneath the church. Inside, a terracotta statue of the Virgin and Child, commissioned by abbot Antonio Pini in 1518 and signed by Antonio Duranti, in a niche above the main altar. Every September 8, feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, processions of the faithful to the sanctuary along the old trail. Refuge for partisans during World War II. Today managed by the Azienda Catria di Frontone: capacity of up to 50 people, 20 beds.
Getting there
From Buonconsiglio (Frontone), on the slopes of Monte Acuto.
The setting
Monte Acuto, Marche, medieval hermitage, Marian feast September 8.
