Santa Maria di Piazza Alta
Santa Maria di Piazza Alta
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
18 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,332 contributions
Jun 2023
Santa Maria di Piazza Alta is a medieval church, set high up in the main piazza of Sarnano’s ‘old town’.
It is one of several medieval buildings that surround the piazza. To get there, we parked in the ‘new town’ then walked uphill through the ancient arches and cobbled paths.
The earliest church structure dates back to the 11th century but most of what you see here was built by the Benedictine monks over a thirty year period, from 1265 - 1296.
The tower was added last. Its bells still ring out across the town.
Disappointingly, the church was closed when we were there so we could only see the exterior. Of particular note is the carved lunette over the main arched entrance. Set within five layers of frames, it shows the death of the Virgin Mary. The most decorative of the frames have grooved ringlets with detailed carvings of stars, rosettes, tendrils and leaves. 
Mary appears peaceful in death, like a sleeping Snow White. Eleven apostles crowd around her. Some are praying, some have their head in their hands and one kneels at her feet. From above, God looks down from Heaven.
It is one of several medieval buildings that surround the piazza. To get there, we parked in the ‘new town’ then walked uphill through the ancient arches and cobbled paths.
The earliest church structure dates back to the 11th century but most of what you see here was built by the Benedictine monks over a thirty year period, from 1265 - 1296.
The tower was added last. Its bells still ring out across the town.
Disappointingly, the church was closed when we were there so we could only see the exterior. Of particular note is the carved lunette over the main arched entrance. Set within five layers of frames, it shows the death of the Virgin Mary. The most decorative of the frames have grooved ringlets with detailed carvings of stars, rosettes, tendrils and leaves. 
Mary appears peaceful in death, like a sleeping Snow White. Eleven apostles crowd around her. Some are praying, some have their head in their hands and one kneels at her feet. From above, God looks down from Heaven.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joansabin
London, UK4 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
A gem at the highest point of this medieval town, Santa Maria has everything to offer. An elegant building of proportions suitable for this small town community, it has great appeal historically both inside and out. There are numerous frescoes on the walls and some original and beautiful wooden statues as well as paintings. As you enter the Church there is a major restoration that has been done in the last fifteen years and shows the Nativity scene with Saints on either side. From the piazza outside there are amazing views in different directions. From there it is great to see the ski slope lit up for the feast of La befana. In the summer the square is the starting point of the Medieval pageant " the Palio"! An ideal place for a family wedding and I am so glad our daughter chose Santa Maria in Alta for hers.
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacopo P
Porto Recanati, Italy3 contributions
Salve, vorrei sapere se attualmente la struttura è visitabile. Grazie, un saluto
Susanna B
Sant'Ippolito, Italy431 contributions
Si la chiesa è stata riaperta proprio ad agosto quindi vi consiglio di andare a visitare questo splendido borgo che di danni ne hanno avuti ma in realtà non molti e pesanti come gli altri circostanti infatti case,locali,ristoranti e quant’altro son tutti in piedi non troverete zone rosse(non state a sentire la gente del luogo sono marchigiana come loro e pure geometra laureata).E se avete voglia, c’è anche Camerino che ha riaperto il centro non è più chiuso anch’esso anche se ha ancora case e chiese puntellate. Ma vale la pena pure la(è solo un consiglio io amo quelle zone e me le porto tutte nel cuore)Un saluto.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria di Piazza Alta
- Hotels near Santa Maria di Piazza Alta:
- (0.04 mi) Casa Fiorello
- (0.07 mi) La Locanda Del Serafino
- (0.10 mi) Casa Monti
- (0.08 mi) Casa 'Lucia'
- (0.11 mi) B&B Il Rifugio dei Cantici
- Restaurants near Santa Maria di Piazza Alta:
- (0.06 mi) Le Clarisse
- (0.06 mi) Decantautore
- (0.08 mi) Trattoria Porverò
- (0.10 mi) La Cerqua Truffles Gourmand Boutique
- (0.07 mi) L'Oasi del Gelato
- Attractions near Santa Maria di Piazza Alta:
- (0.00 mi) Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piazza
- (0.00 mi) Chiesa Di Santa Maria in Via
- (0.01 mi) Palazzo del Podesta Sarnano
- (0.01 mi) Il Serafino di San Francesco
- (0.01 mi) Piazza Alta
Santa Maria di Piazza Alta Information
Excellent Reviews | 7 |
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Very Good Reviews | 9 |
Santa Maria di Piazza Alta Photos | 32 |