Sentiero per Santa Maria dei Monti

"The structure visible today dates back to the early 17th century and is the work of Father Nicola da Monteprandone, of the Order of Reformed Friars Minor, who proposed establishing a religious community on the site of a small Marian shrine, built between the 14th and 15th centuries as protection from the plague and dedicated to Our Lady of the Mountains. The area is also of considerable archaeological interest, as documented by several finds.

Father Nicola was able to take possession of the small church and surrounding land on July 14, 1614. He was entrusted with the supervision of the works, and a section of the convent was immediately built, where the monks settled, beginning to officiate in the existing chapel. Once the monastery was completed, the new church was built, ensuring that the image of the Madonna painted on the wall of the old shrine could be preserved.

Today, only a fragment of this votive fresco, depicting the Madonna and Child, is visible. Located in the apse above the wooden choir, it is the fragment saved from a fire that destroyed much of the painting.

The entire structure, including the vegetable gardens, lawn, and large garden, was surrounded by a wall.

In the 19th century, the complex underwent various changes following the Napoleonic conquest, the Restoration, and the unification of Italy.

Following the Napoleonic suppressions, the church was annexed to the parish, and the convent was auctioned and purchased by Giambattista Giammarini. With the Restoration, the complex was returned to the friars, who returned in 1816.

After the unification of Italy, the 1855 Rattazzi Law, which decreed the suppression of religious corporations, particularly affecting the Augustinian and Franciscan convents, was extended to all of Italy by the Piedmontese state.

In 1864, following this law, the monastery was suppressed, the friars left the convent, and the property was assigned to the municipality of Grottammare. Among the convent's possessions was an organ built by the organ builder Gaetano Callido in 1784 for this church.

Following the suppression, the organ was transferred in 1864 to the Church of San Pio V in Grottammare, where it can still be seen today.

In 1879, the convent became the home of the Peretti boarding school, which remained open until 1918.

In 1935, the friars asked the municipality of Grottammare to return to the convent, which was sold to them along with its appurtenances for £35,000. At this time, the complex was renovated.

Since the early 1950s, the structure has changed its name to the Oasis of Santa Maria ai Monti of the Reformed Friars Minor and has become a meeting and lodging destination for associations, priests, nuns, and private citizens. The complex comprises two buildings, dating back to the last century, located to the west and north of the church."

Antonio Greco

"This is the church where I got married!
If that's not enough!!
Beautiful church located on the hills near the sea, in the greenery; it is maintained by the Franciscan friars. From the city center you can get there in 5 minutes by car.
Parking is convenient.
All around the greenery and the panorama of the town seen from above.
Worth a visit."

Ernesto Sacchi

"Located in Grottammare Alto, in a flat area, near a garden with a stunning panoramic view. The view of Grottammare is rewarding, with San Benedetto del Tronto in the distance. A short distance from the church, the old town is worth visiting, with its towers, huddled houses, and narrow, arched streets. The town hall square is beautiful. A visit here is worth it."

Antonio Granolla