Santa Maria delle Vergini, Macerata, Catholic church in Macerata, Italy.
Santa Maria delle Vergini is a church displaying Mannerist architecture with balanced proportions and carefully designed classical elements. The structure stands at the intersection of Via Lattanzio Ventura and Via Galasso da Carpi in the historic center.
Construction began in the 1550s under architect Galasso Alghisi, replacing a smaller medieval chapel from 1335. This rebuilding reflected the religious and architectural aspirations of Macerata during the Renaissance.
The church served as a gathering place for the faithful in Macerata for centuries, deeply rooted in the community's spiritual life. Its dedication reflects the religious devotion that shaped the city's character over generations.
The church functions as an active place of worship located in the southeast section of the historic center. It is easily accessible on foot and straightforward to locate thanks to its position at the intersection of two main streets.
Inside the church rests an embalmed crocodile brought from the Holy Land, preserved as an unusual historical object. This rare artifact draws the attention of visitors interested in curious relics from earlier periods.
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