In the village of Ancarano, the lookout of the Tronto Valley of Roman origin, stands the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

Located just outside the medieval city walls, the church was built in 1628, during the bishopric of Sigismondo Donati da Careggio, Prince of Ascoli. The name of the architect who designed it is not known for sure, but local scholars attribute the design to the master Giovanni Branca from Pesaro.

Its distinctive octagonal shape makes it stand out in the urban layout, attracting the gaze of those who pass by.

The structure is surmounted by a segmented dome, resting on a high tambour which ends in a lantern. The entrance has a high portal made of mirrored travertine with a flat lintel, crowned by a tympanum.

Above this, you can see a plaque commemorating the inauguration of the church and, further up, a coat of arms in honour of the bishop who promoted its construction, representing an oval shield with a rampant lion and an eight-rayed star.

On the adjacent left side, there is a portal similar to the main one, but with a three-dimensional framed structure. On the upper part of the wall opposite to the portal, a small, ribbed belfry for a bell stands out.

The church gained importance for Ancarano especially after the demolition of the ancient Church of Santa Maria della Pace.