Santa Maria Maggiore, Romanesque church in Assisi, Italy
Santa Maria Maggiore is a Romanesque basilica in Assisi featuring three naves separated by stone pillars and a rose window from the 12. century. The walls are adorned with paintings from different periods, and an ancient crypt beneath the building holds early religious remains.
The building was constructed over the ruins of a Roman house from the 1st century and served as the city's main church for centuries. Its role shifted when the bishop's seat moved to the Church of San Rufino in later times.
The church displays frescoes by Umbrian painters that show religious scenes across its interior walls. These artworks reflect the artistic tradition that shaped Assisi over the centuries.
The church welcomes visitors daily and provides audio guides in multiple languages for self-guided exploration. Those interested in exploring the crypt beneath the main space should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for this part of the visit.
Since 2019, the church has housed the remains of a young person preserved in a glass case wearing modern clothing, displayed in the right side aisle. This unusual presentation offers a contemporary approach to veneration.
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