Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza
It is rising within the Port district. Built between the eleventh and twelfth century, it is a remarkable example of Romanesque style. It was built on an early Christian church in the fourth century, whose ruins and beautiful mosaics are visible through a special glass floor. The main body of the building has a basilica plant with three naves and a trussed roof; on it it puts a raised transept, covered cross. The lower part of the facade is entirely covered with blind arches and has at its center a Byzantine bas-relief from Constantinople, representing the Virgin Praying. The upper part of the facade collapsed in 1690 due to an earthquake and was rebuilt in brick and provided with a large rectangular window. Architect of the facade was Master Philip. This type of facade is of Byzantine origin, characterized by arches that contain colorful ceramic bowls. The portal, decorated with bas-reliefs, is the work by Master Leonardo, who puts his signature on the interior trim on the right. The Church was restored in 1928 by Luigi Serra, who restored its ancient Romanesque appearance, removing the stucco, the side altars and ceilings.
