Santa Maria Assunta Church

Description: The church was once known as Santa Maria in Tavernola and existed as far back as 1325 as a rectory in the parish of Monte Mauro. In the XVI century it was united with the vicariate of Valsenio and the following century became home to the vicariate with jurisdiction over a number of parishes. The church is frequently recorded during the XIV and XVI centuries always in the same position. It was probably consecrated on 29 April 1470, but four years later it was completely rebuilt. During the years 1574 to 1741 it is described as being in good condition although it was badly damaged by an earthquake on 31 October 1725. It was however restored right away.

Additional notes: The largest altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary is under beautiful frescoes of images including the Virgin Mary, in 1471 when the chancery was widened a painting of the Virgin Mary was placed here. In the side nave there was a second altar dedicated to Madonna of the Rosary, in 1599 a painting of the Virgin was placed here surrounded by the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary; a third altar going back to the XVI century was dedicated to Saint Sebastian. Originally the image of the Saint was painted on the wall together with the Virgin and S. Antonio Abate, then in the VXII century it was replaced by the painting which still exists today of S. Filippo Neri in the place of S. Antonio. At the end of the XVI century another altar (dedicated to S. Frances of Assisi) was built between the two side altars, this altar had a painting of S. Frances by Ernest Schaich (1599), today this painting is in the Diocesano Museum. The bell tower mentioned in the records in 1611, had two bells. The church was completely destroyed during the last war and was completely rebuilt in 1950 with its façade facing south-east. The bell tower with its three bells is also new.