Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is a parish church in Francavilla al Mare featuring an irregular octagonal layout with a central hall surrounded by an ambulatory and high vaulted ceilings. The building rests on a stone base in the upper part of the city and functions as the main religious center for local residents.

The original structure was destroyed by Turkish forces in 1566 and subsequently rebuilt multiple times. The current building was completed by architect Ludovico Quaroni in 1949.

The church holds a Gothic monstrance from 1413 made by goldsmith Nicola Gallucci da Guardiagrele, showcasing medieval craftsmanship from the Abruzzo region. This artwork remains a focal point for devotional practices within the building.

The church is located in an elevated area of the city at Largo San Franco and is easily accessible from the town center. Visitors should keep in mind that regular services are held, which may affect visiting times.

The architectural design blends ecclesiastical traditions from before and after Vatican II through its central hall plan and modern artistic elements. This combination shows how church architecture evolved in the post-war period.