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The small Santa Maria Church is the oldest of the religious buildings still today preserved within the town; the initial framework most probably dates back to the XI-XII century and was realised in Roman-Pisan style.
Historic sources inform us of the existence, in the XIII century, of a Benedictine monastery not far from the church, that belonged to the “Cavalieri di Malta” order, whose presence seems to be confirmed by the eight pointed cross sculpted on the entrance’s architrave. Historic events are reflected in its architecture: the initial Romanic framework, datable to 1200, is overlapped by that of Gothic-Aragon style of 1500, both clearly visible in the facade.
The original facade was completely incorporated in the 700s and thanks to digging and restoration works carried out in 1997, it has been salvaged.
The small church having a nave and two aisles with ten semicircular arches and apses, preserves a marble alter finely decorated with a central cameo representing “l'Assunzione della Beata Vergine” (a homage to Maria when her body was taken to heaven three days after her death).
The sanctuary comes to life on the occasion of the Holy festival: the “great festival”, which takes place mid August and lasts an entire week; during those days religious rituals and processions alternate with civil celebrations: concerts, shows, performances and the stalls of the local producers of nougat and typical sweets that perfume the air and offer tastings for the sweet toothed.
