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Church of St Mary of the Assumption in Caprarola: the medieval abbey in the Di Vico castle
In the historic centre of Caprarola, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the oldest buildings of the village. Incorporated into the current Palazzo Fusaro, it dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, likely annexed to the Di Vico castle. Together with the Church of Sant'Angelo, it was the most important in Caprarola, and had the title of Abbey. The most striking detail lies in the structure itself: the apse was not built from scratch, but was carved out of a circular tower of the fortress, which is still visible today from Piazza Sicilia.
What to see inside
The church now has a Renaissance appearance (single nave, small bell gable), following renovations undertaken from the 16th century onwards. Older works are still preserved: a fresco of the Madonna and Child and a panel painting of the Tuscan school depicting the Assumption of Mary, both dating between the 14th and 15th centuries. At the entrance is a finely crafted white marble holy water font (stoup) from the same period.
The Confraternity of Death and Prayer
The Confraternita della Morte e Orazione (Confraternity of Death and Prayer) used to meet in this church. This association saw to the burial of the poor, one of the vital social functions of the medieval religious fabric. Their symbol is still carved into the wooden choir in the presbytery (chancel).
