Church of Santa Maria di Cartiganano

Santa Maria di Cartiganano is a Romanesque church in Bussi sul Tirino with three naves, a single apse, and a plain exterior featuring a bell gable and rose window. The interior structure with its three-nave layout follows the typical design of Romanesque churches in the region.

The church was built in the Romanesque period and became a Benedictine monastery at the end of the 11th century under Montecassino oversight. It maintained this monastic role until the 14th century.

The church keeps only wall fragments with figural representations today, especially a Christ figure in the apse, while most of the original frescoes are housed in the National Museum of L'Aquila.

The building stands along a paved road accessible to larger vehicles, making it easy to reach by car. There are no electrical or water facilities available at the site.

Roman architectural fragments appear embedded in the exterior walls, reused from older structures and documenting medieval construction practices. This material reuse was a common method in church building of that era.

Location: Bussi sul Tirino

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Address: Ss. 17-bis, - Bussi sul Tirino

Website: http://cultura.regione.abruzzo.it/index.asp?modello=chiesaRomPE&servizio=xList&stileDiv=monoLeft&template=intIndex&b=chiesero4246&tom=246

GPS coordinates: 42.21599,13.81823

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07