Located in the heart of the Abruzzi village of Caramanico Terme, the Abbey of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most significant religious buildings in the area, the custodian of a long architectural and spiritual history rooted in the 11th century. Probably the oldest church in the town, it has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, giving it a rich and layered appearance.
Exterior: between the Middle Ages and Gothic
The exterior of the abbey faces Corso Bernardi, right in the historic center, but curiously enough its “facade,” facing the corso, has no entrance, since it corresponds to the presbytery area. Instead, access to the church is through a balcony facing the valley, located on the opposite side, while the main portal is located on the northern side of the building.
This portal is a fine example of Gothic art: with a deep splay, ghimberga, and carved lunette, it is attributed to the sculptor Johannes Bioemen Teutonicus, known as John of Lübeck, who was active in the 15th century. The entire exterior is of squared stone, with Corinthian pilasters, tympanum windows, medieval sculptures depicting apostles, cantors and pilgrims, and a bell tower in a side position.
Interior: baroque solemnity and Romanesque memories
The interior of the church has three naves, divided by four pairs of pillars delimiting five cross-vaulted bays in the aisles. The nave is distinguished by a lunetted barrel vault, punctuated by arches and cornices that punctuate the space with great harmony.
The dominant style is late Baroque, evident in the order of Corinthian pilasters, stucco decorations, gilding, and Baroque side altars. Of particular note is the chapel in the third right bay, facing the main entrance, with a fine decorative apparatus from the second half of the 16th century.
The raised chancel, accessed by an interior staircase of twelve steps, retains traces of the original Romanesque layout. The high altar, dedicated to the Assumption, is embellished with polychrome marble and twisted columns, and preserves precious frescoes, including a rare depiction of God the Father.
Artistic and decorative elements
Among the most interesting details are:
–The wooden baptistery from 1572
–The flooring in Trani Stone and polychrome marbles
–The interior roofs: barrel vault for the nave, cross vault for the side aisles
–The external roofs with staggered pitches and a roofing tile covering
