Church of Santa Maria del Piano

It stands in the area between the historical centre of Jesi and the Esino River and is among the city’s oldest landmarks.
The church, founded in the 5th century, is the only abbey in the province of Jesi that has survived through the Middle Ages. Its architecture is neoclassical, with a single nave, which however was created in a restoration project begun in the mid-1700s that completely transformed it.
In the course of its history, the building underwent several changes that are particularly visible in the crypt, which conserves artefacts dating from different historical periods.
Among these, there is a sarcophagus which is the oldest testimony of Christian sculpture in the Vallesina valley; three tombs, datable from between the 3rd and 4th century AD, which is conducive to thinking that the church was originally a funerary basilica; and the fresco featuring the face of an angel dating from the 10th-11th century, probably what remains of an Annunciation. In 1300 AD, the church was restyled in the Gothic vogue. It was originally built with three naves and an elevated altar and the floor was lower than in the modern-day building.
The restoration work carried out in the 18th century completely changed its architecture. Still now, it is possible to see the old arches along the nave – subsequently closed – embedded inside the right-hand wall.
Lastly, inside the church there is a granite column portraying a Christ at the column painted in the 17th century but that also reveals traces of an older painting.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Opening hours:
From Monday to Saturday 10am-12pm / 4-6pm
or phone the Pastor

CONTACT DETAILS
Via S. Maria del Piano, 9
Tel.: 0731 58636