Pianella

Santa Maria Maggiore

This church, also known with the name

of Sant'Angelo in Pianella dates back to

the first half of the twelfth century.

Following actions led to the insertion in the front of the portal and

the rose window (around 1180); between

the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries

here was the elevation of the left aisle and the

addition of the bell tower.

THE GATE

The ogival portal has two abutment decorated with lush roses style Cassino and a lintel, showing the Madonna with Saints, carved into a rougher style which can be considered to be obtained from a previous portal.

The rose has an outer ring and inner palmettes decorated with leafy branches sprouting from the mouth of a mask. Delicate reliefs decorate also the parts of the central wheel.

THE ROSE WINDOW

On the left side you can see the arches, part of a further aisle now disappeared.

The rear façade has three apses, the central one decorated with two series of arches topped by saw- toothed strips. Thin columns run along them.

Despite the early dating, the bell tower has a Romanesque structure, lightened by pointed arches and twisted cornices.

The interior has a nave and two aisles with columns and pillars made of bricks.

The columns are completed by low stone capitals carved with floral motifs which are very stylized.

The inside

Little remains of the frescoes that covered the entire wall. The central apse where Christ in Majesty is together with the eleven Apostles and two Angels with the cartouche of Judgement is really amazing.

THE PULPIT

The pulpit leans against the left wall and it is a square case supported only by two columns.

The inscription on the lintel identifies the author (Acute Master) and the client (the Abbot Roberto).

The architrave is decorated with motifs that recall those of the pulpit in Casauria.

The four parapets of the case have a frame with palmettes and they contain reliefs showing the symbols of the Evangelists, St. Matthew and St. Luke on the right side.

CapitalsThe same can be said of the capitals carved with stylized leaves and branches.

Other frescoes insist on the apses and the aisles. Here we find the following representations: Christ, the Virgin and Child with Saints on the left side, the Blessing Redeemer, stories of S. Francis and St. Bernardino from Siena.

Madonna with Child.