The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore di Montemiletto, also known as the "Church of Santa Maria Assunta", is located in Via Regina Margherita, in the historic center of the Irpinia town.
Originally built in the fifteenth century and rebuilt in the eighteenth century, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is known because, in 1686, it appeared to preserve the relics of the martyr saints Philip and Victor, of Santa Flora Vergine and San Giacomo Apostolo.
With a characteristic rectangular shape, th read more
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore di Montemiletto, also known as the "Church of Santa Maria Assunta", is located in Via Regina Margherita, in the historic center of the Irpinia town.
Originally built in the fifteenth century and rebuilt in the eighteenth century, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is known because, in 1686, it appeared to preserve the relics of the martyr saints Philip and Victor, of Santa Flora Vergine and San Giacomo Apostolo.
With a characteristic rectangular shape, the religious building is characterized by a typical Romanesque facade, adorned with a stone portal with a triangular pediment and a niche located in the upper part. Adjacent to the Church is the bell tower with four registers, which is accessed through a door with a stone arch depicting the coat of arms of Montemiletto sculpted, presumably, in 1756.
The Church of S. Maria Maggiore has a Latin cross base, divided by four rows of columns, the first two forming the highest central nave and the other two semi-embedded in the side walls. The central nave has a semicircular vault and is frescoed with images of the prophets and with scenes of the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. The dome is circular in shape, illuminated by eight windows.
In addition to the mass grave under the floor, the Church preserves eight burial grounds: one for the clergy, four for the universitas and three others for the most important families of the Montemiletto scene, namely the Barattas, the Capobiancos, the Paladinos and the Finas.
Religious symbol of the local community, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore of Montemiletto stands out, with its bell tower, over the surrounding town, making itself visible even from the territories of the nearest towns. read less
