Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima in Visso
The Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima (Collegiata di Maria Santissima) is the main religious building of Visso, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. It has Gothic forms with Umbrian influence dating from 1256, but a Romanesque pieve from 1143 already stood on the same spot. Among its most recognizable features are the bell tower with mullioned windows of two and three lights, the portal with the frescoed Annunciation and a Saint Christopher more than 7 meters tall. The 2016 earthquake severely damaged it and the historic center of Visso remained closed for a long time: before visiting, it is best to check whether the church is accessible.
Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima in Visso
- Type
- Church
- Address
- Piazza Martiri VissaniVisso (MC)
- Website
- beweb.chiesacattolica.it
Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
History of the Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima
In 1143 a first Romanesque pieve was built on the site. When it became too small, the pieve was flanked by the present church, consecrated in 1256. The polygonal apse was added in 1312. In 1517 it was raised to the rank of collegiate church and underwent further changes, mainly inside, to enrich it.
The interior was heavily transformed in the 17th century. The Baroque wooden ceiling was completed in 1743 and bears paintings by Giuseppe Manzoni of Camerino. The organ, on the left wall, is the work of Giovanni Fedeli da Camerino and bears the date 1759.
What to see in the Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima in Visso
Outside, the Umbrian Gothic bell tower on the north side stands out, with two- and three-light windows and an ogival spire on an octagonal plan. On the south side is the Romanesque portal, with the fresco of the Annunciation in the lunette, painted in 1441 by Paolo da Visso.
The interior has a single nave and preserves several 14th-century frescoes of the Umbria-Marche school. The most imposing is the Saint Christopher, more than 7 meters tall. There is also a 13th-century wooden group of the Madonna and Child.
The Romanesque Baptistery Chapel holds finds from the original pieve, datable to the 12th century: capitals, reliefs, a holy water stoup and a baptismal font. The church also contains the sarcophagi of the Blessed Niccolò Siciliano and of Meo da Visso, and the burial vault of the Mancini family.
A legend says that one of Judas's 30 pieces of silver is kept in the sacristy.
Where the Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima is located
The collegiate church stands in Visso, in the historic center damaged by the 2016 earthquake: before going, it is best to check whether the area and the church are accessible. The south side, with the Romanesque portal, faces the town's central square and serves as the main entrance.
Other churches in the area are listed on the page dedicated to the churches of the Sibillini Mountains.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Collegiate Church of Maria Santissima in Visso built?
Who frescoed the Annunciation over the portal?
How tall is the Saint Christopher in the collegiate church?
What does the legend of Judas's coins say?
Nearby
What to see nearby
- Church and Convent of Sant'Agostino (Visso)Museum or art galleryunder 100 m
- 100 m
- Convent of the Apostolini in VissoMonastery or abbey200 m
Where to stay
- 200 m
- 200 m
- Area Camper VissoRV area300 m
Where to eat
- Bar Sibilla, VissoBar and caféunder 100 m
- Calabro, VissoButcher and pork productsunder 100 m
- Il Laghetto, VissoBar and café200 m
Straight-line distances.