Church of Santa Maria di Piazza

E’ the main church of the historic center in terms of size and visual impact: the ancient seat of a Benedictine abbey, it was, after its foundation in 1444, completely rebuilt twice; the current layout is that derived from the last renovation completed in the early ‘900s, designed by the Bolognese Giovanni Gualandi. In neo-Gothic style, with the exception of the façade, which bears predominantly Romanesque influences and displays some vestiges of previous buildings, it dominates the historic center with its monumental complex. From the dome and bell tower, which form a singularly imposing ensemble, you can enjoy splendid views from the Adriatic to the Apennines. The interior of the church houses some valuable works, including a precious eighteenth-century scagliola antependium depicting the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and a Madonna and Child, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony the Abbot attributed to Claudio Ridolfi, but more likely to his pupil Cialdieri. The organ is also precious, which is due to one of the most famous “organ builders” of the 18th century, Gaetano Callido.