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Località: Piazza Monsignore Lomonaco - 87020 Aieta

Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione

The Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione in Aieta represents a valuable example of religious architecture with a rich and fascinating history. Built on a small Norman church known as S. Maria de Fora, the church assumed the role of the only parish church on November 8, 1530, marking an important landmark for the local community.

The structure of the church is characterized by a Latin cross plan with a central nave and two side aisles. Each side features three chapels, each equipped with altars, creating a space that invites devotion and reflection. This architecture is not only functional for religious celebrations, but also reflects the typical aesthetics of churches of the period.

A very important element inside the church is the large oil painting on wood, created in 1576 by the Neapolitan artist Fabrizio Santafede. This work, measuring 3 x 2.20 meters, depicts the Visitation and represents one of the artistic peaks of the church. Santafede, known for his style marking the transition from Mannerism to the Naturalism of the early Baroque, was able to capture not only religious scenes but also moments of daily life, making his works appreciated not only in Campania and the South, but also in Spain.

Another treasure of the church is the Bossi organ, a magnificent instrument of the Neapolitan musical tradition, built by the organ builder Bossi and delivered to the church on August 19, 1673. This instrument has undergone several transformations over the years, including a restoration in 1907 that added an accordion and an ivory and ebony keyboard, giving it a 19th-century touch. However, neglect led to a slow deterioration of the organ until, in June 1995, a significant restoration brought back its original beauty, restoring to it the voice and colors that time had tarnished.

In short, the Church of St. Mary of the Visitation is not just a place of worship, but a cultural heritage that encompasses centuries of history, art and spirituality, bearing witness to the evolution of religious architecture and music in the southern context.

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