Santa Maria dei Battuti

This former church features a single nave with a richly carved portal created by Giovanni Antonio Pilacorte that includes floral decorations and images of saints. Inside stands an altar from 1707 crafted by Pietro Baratta, adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary.

The building was constructed in 1493 but incorporates remnants of a 14th-century religious structure that belonged to a hospital complex. The layering of older frescoes beneath newer decorations reveals the evolution of the space over several centuries.

The name refers to a brotherhood that once operated here and shaped the spiritual life of the community. The frescoes covering the interior walls tell religious stories that once guided the prayers and devotion of worshippers.

The space now functions as an exhibition venue, which allows visitors to walk through and observe the artistic works at their own pace. Plan time to examine the carved details at the entrance and study the frescoes covering the walls closely.

The portal's arch features a bas-relief of the Madonna of Mercy whose niche is topped by representations of the Eternal Father, Archangel Gabriel, and the Virgin. This combination of figures creates an uncommon iconographic arrangement that expresses the connection between heavenly and earthly compassion.