Church of Santa Maria della Pietà in Preci

History of the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà

The church dates back to the 13th century. It was built by the monks of the Abbazia di Sant'Eutizio in the same years as the castle of Preci. It is also known as the Pieve because it holds a 16th-century baptismal font.

The 1997 earthquake caused considerable damage to the structure. After the tremor of August 24, 2016, clear cracks were reported. On December 2, 2022, a decree of the Extraordinary Commissioner for Reconstruction granted the Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia a contribution of 1,252,703.52 euros to repair the damage and restore the church.

What to see in the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà

The facade has a gabled profile. The 14th-century portal rests on capitals decorated with human and plant motifs. Above it is an 18th-century oculus. On the left side there is a second portal, from the 15th century. Fragmentary inscriptions and several coats of arms can also be seen there, including that of Cardinal Crescenzi. In the past a portico connected this side to the Casa della Comunità. The bell tower with the clock has 18th-century architectural elements.

The interior has a single nave with a stone floor and eight side chapels, each with its own altar. The works include the lipsanotheca (reliquary) by Angelucci and a 17th-century canvas of the Holy Trinity, painted by the local artist Carocci. The movable works recovered after the earthquake include the canvas with the Madonna and Child, Saint Nicholas and Saint Sebastian, other paintings on canvas and leather altar frontals.

Visiting the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà

After the 2016 earthquake the historic center of Preci was declared entirely unusable. The repair project was approved in 2022, and in 2025 the church was under construction work. Before planning a visit, it is best to check with the Comune di Preci (the town hall) or the parish.

Where the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà is located

The church is on the main square of Preci, near the Palazzo Comunale. Preci lies at an elevation of 596 m, in the Valnerina. The right side of the building cannot be seen, because the war memorial stands there.

Around the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà

In the village, on the same square, is the Palazzo Comunale. The religious buildings of Preci also include the church of Santa Caterina. The Abbazia di Sant'Eutizio, from which the founding monks came, was damaged by the 2016 tremors.

In the hamlet of Poggio di Croce, the 14th-century church of the Annunziata holds "L'annunciazione" (The Annunciation) by Giovanni del Biondo, a Florentine painter of the 14th century. Other churches in the area are listed on the page about the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.