Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Umbria


The impressive 12th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore houses Spello's main draw – a wonderful cycle of frescoes by the Perugia-born artist Pinturicchio. These beautiful works adorn the Cappella Baglioni, depicting episodes from the the life of Christ. When in the chapel, look down as well as up to admire its 16th-century Deruta majolica floor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Umbria attractions

1. Chiesa di Sant'Andrea

0.05 MILES

On the main drag through the village, this much-modified Gothic church features some fine 16th-century artworks. Its prize feature is Pinturicchio's…

2. Villa dei Mosaici di Spello

0.17 MILES

Just outside the historic centre, this cracking little museum showcases a series of floor mosaics unearthed at a Roman villa in 2005. Raised walkways…

3. Belvedere Cappuccini

0.34 MILES

Head to this viewing balcony at the top of town for a living postcard view across the bucolic countryside below – on a clear day you can make out Assisi …

4. Eremo delle Carceri

5.15 MILES

Perched on the forested slopes of Monte Subasio, this monastery is set around the caves where St Francis and his followers prayed and contemplated…

5. Chiesa di San Damiano

5.65 MILES

Set amid lush olive groves 1.5km southeast of Assisi's historic centre, this atmospheric sanctuary is where St Francis is said to have heard the voice of…

6. Basilica di Santa Chiara

6.13 MILES

Built in a 13th-century Romanesque style, with muscular flying buttresses and a striking pink-and-white striped facade, this church is dedicated to St…

7. Cattedrale di San Rufino

6.21 MILES

This 13th-century Romanesque church, remodelled by Galeazzo Alessi in the 16th century, contains the font where St Francis and St Clare were baptised. The…

8. Chiesa Nuova

6.26 MILES

Just southeast of Piazza del Comune, this baroque domed church is a peaceful place for contemplation. It was built by King Philip III of Spain in 1615…