Montedinove

The existence of the Church of Santa Maria de’ Cellis is documented as early as the 12th century. It was built by the Benedictines of Farfa, together with the adjoining monastery. Over the centuries, the church underwent many alterations and substantial modifications, especially in the 14th century and later in the 16th and 19th centuries. Dedicated to Santa Maria de’ Cellis and Saint John the Baptist, it was during the 14th century that the original Romanesque church, much lower than the present one, was raised considerably and divided into two parts. The lower part was dedicated to the Crucifix, while the upper part retained the original title of Santa Maria de’ Cellis. Later, an elegant portal was built facing Piazza Novana. It can still be seen today, although it has been walled up. In 1850-52, further changes were made to the entire building. A small portico was added to the lower section, and the upper façade was completely redesigned. These works were carried out by the architect Carlo Maggi, nephew of the better-known Pietro Maggi. Today, the oldest and most interesting architectural feature is the Romanesque-Gothic portal visible from the square. It is dated 1368 and is extremely rich in symbolic elements from its period. The first feature that strikes anyone looking at the portal is its composition in three different materials: travertine, sandstone and terracotta. This suggests that it may have been reconstructed using elements taken from earlier structures. The two octagonal columns, resting on two stylophore lions, are made of travertine. The impost blocks are made of sandstone, while the entire arch is made of terracotta. At the keystone, in high relief and also made of terracotta, there is a cross with hooked ends. It is surmounted by a sphere, with two five-pointed daisies on either side: one upright and one upside down, separated by small trefoil arches. Above the keystone there is a sandstone block with an inscription in Gothic characters. At its centre stands the Lamb of Saint John the Baptist, the first patron saint of Montedinove. Inside the church, other highly valuable works of art can be admired: a wooden Crucifix from the 13th-14th centuries, and a 14th-century processional cross made by Sulmona goldsmiths, both listed among Italy’s works of art. There is also a fresco by Giacomo Confini da Patrignone, dated 1512, depicting the Madonna of Mercy.