Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is a Romanesque church in Pianella built with red brick and featuring a pointed entrance portal flanked by circular and rectangular pillars. Inside, three naves are divided by columns supporting rounded arches, and a central dome rises above with early Christian frescoes covering its surfaces.

Benedictine monks built the church in the late 12th century as part of their monastic expansion across the Abruzzo region. The structure reflects the architectural practices of this monastic order during that medieval period.

The main entrance displays carved figures of the Virgin Mary surrounded by eight saints, made by Master Acuto in medieval times. These sculptures are what catch visitors' attention first when approaching the building.

The church interior has limited windows, so natural light is quite dim throughout the space. Allow your eyes time to adjust when entering so you can see the details of the frescoes and carved elements.

The central apse holds medieval frescoes showing Christ with the Apostles, the Lamb of God, and the Virgin Mary seated on her throne. These wall paintings reveal how artists conveyed religious stories to visitors in an era when many could not read.