The church of San Filippo Neri is one of the main churches of San Benedetto del Tronto, in the district of the same name in the north of the town, near the boundary with Grottammare. The first stone was laid on 2 July 1961, and the church, designed by the architects Innocenzo and Agostino Sabbatini, was consecrated in 1967 by Bishop Vincenzo Radicioni. The parish is the second largest in the diocese by population and also covers part of the territory of Grottammare; in 2017 the building was restored inside and out.
What to see
It is an example of contemporary church architecture, on a polygonal plan, with volumes recalling the shape of a pine cone. A polygonal stone stairway climbs to a trapezoidal portico, with an aedicule roof supported by two tapering T-section piers, beneath which open the bronze portal and the two side entrances.
Inside, the load-bearing structure in exposed bush-hammered concrete draws a series of dark ribs that bring the complex articulation of the outer volumes into the hall.
Visiting
Next to the church is the Cineteatro San Filippo Neri, built in 1960 and restored in 2006, with 244 seats, used for theatre, film and cultural events. Service times should be checked with the parish.
Our editors' tip
The feast of Saint Philip Neri is concentrated in the last week of May, with services, traditional re-enactments, charity initiatives and entertainment for the district.
