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The Church of St Mary of the Assumption in Tarano: A Masterpiece of Stone and Centuries of History
Overlooking the main square of Tarano, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a fascinating puzzle of architectural styles. Built in the 12th century, its structure is the result of centuries of extensions and modifications that have given it an irregular yet deeply captivating appearance, where every corner recounts a different era.
A Façade that Tells a Story
A single glance at the façade is enough to grasp its complex history. The exposed stonework alternates with plastered sections, as if bearing the very scars of time. Dominating the scene is the majestic bell tower on the right, on one side of which a marble inscription bears a precise date: September 8 MCXIIII. The main portal, with its frescoed lunette depicting the Madonna and Child, beckons the visitor inside to discover a space full of surprises.
One Interior, Three Different Styles
The three-nave interior is a genuine compendium of architectural history. The naves are asymmetrical, with a differing number of bays and a variety of arch forms — pointed, round, and lowered — that bear witness to the building's various construction phases. The ceilings, too, change constantly: from the coffered wooden ceiling of the central nave, to the cross vaults of the left nave and presbytery, to the exposed roof of the right nave. The result is a dynamic and unexpected space.
The Treasures Held Within
The church is not only architecture, but also a precious casket of art. On the altar of the left nave stands a Crucifixion with Saints, a 16th-century painting of the Umbrian school. The presbytery, decorated with polychrome frescoes, is dominated by a large marble altar housing the most important treasure of all: a 17th-century wooden statue of the Assumption, to whom the church is dedicated. Completing the decoration, the stone pillars feature capitals carved with plant and animal motifs, adding yet another layer of detail to this extraordinary building.
