Cattedrale Santa Maria di Nazareth

The Church dedicated to Saint Mary of Nazareth is located in the highest part of Monteverde, one of the "Italy's Most Beautiful Villages".

Dating back to the first centuries of the year 1000, it was a cathedral until 1818, when the diocese of Montefusco was abolished. The original layout has been considerably altered by the restoration work, which became necessary following the series of earthquakes and fires that tragically affected the ancient place of worship. The present structure dates back to the complete rebuilding in 1728, which gave the former Cathedral a typically Baroque style, and the subsequent renovation in 1901.

A staircase leads to the entrance of the building, which has a simple façade. The interior, with a nave and two aisles, is marked by pairs of pointed arches resting on square pillars made of local limestone blocks. A round arch separates the transept from the apse.

The sacred space is adorned with extensive ornamental furnishings: numerous works of art, including paintings, believed to be by Ricciardi, depicting the Assumption, Saints Peter and Paul and the Archangel Michael, a photographic reproduction of Blessed Giordano from Monteverde, the 15th-century altar of the Most Holy Sacrament and another 18th-century polychrome marble altar surmounted by a wooden crucifix dating back to the 15th century. There are some fine wooden statues, including the 15th-century statue of Saint Mary of Nazareth and the 18th-century statues of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady Crowned, Saint Lucy and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the village's patron saint. The statue of the Most Holy Rosary, also dating back to the 18th century, is housed in the chapel of the same name to the right of the transept. 

Simple and essential, the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Nazareth (Sanit Mary of Nazareth) is a place of worship full of ancient charm for believers of Monteverde.