Ecco Le Marche

Who does not know the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro? But did you know that Le Marche region also has its own Christ statue overlooking the valley beneath? It measures 2.70 meters and it is therefore not nearly as big as the Brazilian landmark of Rio. However, the location alone is worth the trip. You can get there by bike, car or on foot; we are describing the hike there that Isabelle recently undertook with the group of hikers from Cupramontana.

This walk to the statue “Cristo delle Marche”, as the black granite statue is called, is a must do for the group of hikers and we understand why! The path has its own charm in every season: in Summer it is a wonderful walk into the countryside and in Winter a clear sky often allows one fantastic view of the Sibillini Mountains, Monte Conero and the sea.

To get there, it is best to drive first to Cingoli and from there follow the signs to San Severino Marche. There is a large parking lot on the left just before the entrance to the Tassinete tunnel. A large sign indicates that this forest is called the “Macchia delle Tassinete”, ie Taxus or yew forest. In the past, we learn, the yew tree was used to make spears and bows, today it is a raw material for cancer drugs. And since the Italian word “Tasso” also means badger, you can also see him on the sign.

From the parking lot you turn left into the forest path. Since the way to the Christ statue is not signposted, we recommend downloading the track from here.

The path goes partly through the forest and partly through an open plain, where you pass a beautiful riding school. But don’t confuse the horses grazing outside with the Marchigian cows that sometimes run around there 🙂

In the distance you can see Monte San Vicino with its characteristic silhouette. And in late spring the gorse smells and glows and you can even spot wild orchids!

When you can finally see the quarry, it is only a few minutes to reach the statue.

The Marchigian sculptor Nazzareno Rocchetti created the statue of Christ in 2010. Originally a physiotherapist, Nazzareno worked with his hands on human bodies until he discovered his passion and talent for sculpture. The Christ statue was made of black African granite and shows a suffering Christ who raises his arms to heaven, but without a cross.

From here you have a beautiful view of the Marche with all its diversity, from the Adriatic coast to the Sibillini mountains.

There is a beautifully restored building near the statue, the Domus Bonfili, which was once a hermitage but then completely collapsed. Together with the community of Cingoli, the church restored it and housed the “Center of the Creator’s Festival” (Centro delle Festa del Creatore) there.

We take the path to the right of the building and walk back through a field into the forest, from where we catch a beautiful view of Cingoli at one point, as beautiful as on a postcard.

Finally the path becomes wider again and after an easy hike of a total of 11.5 kilometers and around 300 meters in altitude we reach the parking lot again.

Those who prefer to go there by bike or e-bike can contact Silvano Agostinelli. He rents e-bikes and can offer a bike tour to the Christ statue. If you prefer to ride on your own and possibly with your own bike, he will be happy to provide you with all the necessary material!


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