Santa Maria della Serra, Church building with Baroque and Neoclassical features in Montalto Uffugo, Italy

Santa Maria della Serra is a church building in Montalto Uffugo that combines Baroque and Neoclassical architectural features. The structure blends design elements from two distinct historical periods into its walls and ornamentation.

The church was built in the early 13th century on the site of a Basilian church, replacing Santa Maria Maggiore, which the 1184 earthquake had destroyed; Bishop Andrea of San Marco Argentano consecrated it on 1 August 1227. Repeated earthquakes forced rebuildings, and the 1854 restoration gave the interior its Neoclassical Latin-cross plan. After the 1905 collapse the upper facade was rebuilt in red brick, unlike the earlier one.

The name derives from the hill once called Serrano, corrupted to Serra in the Spanish era. The wooden statue of the Madonna della Serra, kept in the church, was crowned by the Archbishop of Cosenza on 15 August 1955; tradition holds that the statue was found among a very strong light, which is why the site was chosen.

The church is open to visitors on most days, typically offering free access to the interior spaces. Check local opening hours in advance and be mindful of ongoing religious services during your visit.

The name Serra comes from Serrano, the old name of the hill, corrupted during the Spanish period. Tradition holds that the site was chosen after the statue of the Madonna was found in a very strong light, and the same statue was already venerated in the earlier Santa Maria Maggiore church.