The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Candelo, situated just a short walk from the charming Ricetto, is the oldest religious building in the village, with origins dating back to before the year 1000, although the first documented reference to it dates from 1182. Its location, nestled between the medieval walls and the surrounding countryside, helps to create an atmosphere of great charm and tranquillity.

Originally a single-nave structure, the church was enlarged between the 14th and 15th centuries, taking on its current layout of three naves, divided by elegant granite columns. The façade, enhanced by a portico built in 1631, features a wooden door dating from 1736, the work of Antonio Ferrarone, whilst the bell tower, situated on the right-hand side, dates from between the 16th and 17th centuries. A major restoration, carried out in 1941 to a design by the architect Nicola Mosso, helped to restore the building to its present appearance.

The interior houses works of considerable artistic interest. In the second aisle there is a chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist, featuring a 17th-century altarpiece depicting the Holy Family with St Elizabeth and the infant St John. Among the most valuable works is the 1572 panel by Boniforte Oldoni da Vercelli, depicting Christ on the cross.

Also of great value are the frescoes decorating the vault of the right aisle, attributed to Gaspare de Fornerio da Ponderano (15th–16th century), depicting the Doctors of the Church: Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine and Saint Gregory.

Taken as a whole, the church stands as a significant testament to the religious and artistic history of Candelo, set within one of the best-preserved medieval contexts in Piedmont.