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Church of Madonna della Ripa in Monte San Biagio
The Church of Madonna della Ripa stands just outside the historic centre of Monte San Biagio, along the ancient Appian Way. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Pontine region: the structure likely dates back to the Early Middle Ages, built entirely of local stone, with a Latin cross plan. From the outside, one can make out its slender bell tower and circular openings along the walls.
Devotion and disease
On the lunette of the original entrance, a fresco of the Madonna Lactans (the Nursing Madonna) is still visible. Inside, a painting of St Benedict on the left wall bears witness to the links with local monasticism. The altarpiece was stolen in the second half of the 20th century. An inscription from 1739 attributes the bell to Ercole Marinelli of Agnone. In the 19th century, during a cholera epidemic, the church was converted into a lazaretto (leprosarium). In 1864, three tombs were excavated and inspected by a hygiene commission. Closed in 1877 by the Archbishop of Gaeta due to alleged irregularities, it was reopened for worship the following year, before being progressively abandoned.
Current state
The roof has recently been restored, while the adjacent rectory (or parsonage) remains in a state of neglect.
