This content was automatically translated. View the original text.
Church of St Mary of the Assumption in Piedimonte San Germano: modern architecture by Giuseppe Perugini
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in the upper part of Piedimonte San Germano, next to the Castle of the Counts of Aquino, overlooking the Montecassino valley. The original structure was destroyed by bombings in 1943-44 due to the Gustav Line passing through this area. It is a modern building, reconstructed in the 1960s and designed by Giuseppe Perugini, one of the architects behind the Fosse Ardeatine Mausoleum in Rome.
Only the base remains of the ancient church
A section of the squared stone base survived the bombings, and is still visible. Perugini’s design deliberately avoids imitating the ancient structure. The façade is red-plastered, featuring a large rose window decorated with the letter "M" for Mary, and a tympanum. The bell tower stands to the left of the façade.
Interior: Light and stained glass
The interior consists of a single nave illuminated by stained glass windows on all sides. A suspended crucifix hangs in the apse. This minimalist approach is intentional—a common hallmark of post-war architecture that sought to bring in light following the darkness of destruction.
