Santa Maria Maggiore‘s Church

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most fascinating historical and architectural treasures of Labro. Located in the heart of the medieval village, this church represents a point of reference for the history and art of Sabina. Its origins date back to at least 1398, with a significant transformation at the end of the 15th century, when a church and a chapel were built on the site of a castle tower. In 1508, Cardinal Giovanni Colonna, bishop of Rieti, elevated the building to the rank of collegiate church, consolidating its religious and cultural importance.

The external architecture is distinguished by the façade in local stone, characterized by sober and elegant lines. The central portal, flanked by Doric pillars, is surmounted by a rose window that illuminates the interior. The bell tower, slightly detached from the main body, contributes to the uniqueness of the complex. Inside, the church has a single nave with arches decorated with Gothic tracery and ceilings painted with a starry sky. The 16th-century frescoes, attributed to the Umbrian school, include an Annunciation of great artistic value.

Among the most valuable elements is a 15th-century baptismal font in carved stone, a testimony to the local art of the time. A 16th-century aedicule with high-relief candlesticks represents a refined example of Renaissance sculpture, while an ancient holy water stoup with carved fish figures recalls the Christian tradition. In the first chapel on the left you can admire a finely decorated wooden transenna, dating back to the 15th-16th century, while in the last chapel on the right a painted embossed leather antependium represents a rare example of artistic craftsmanship.

A particularly evocative setting is the Cappella del Rosario, located on the upper floor and accessible via a staircase on the right side of the nave. Built by the Chiaranti family of Terni, it has an external portal from 1494 decorated with rope-shaped motifs and figures of lizards and scorpions. Inside there is a late fifteenth-century fresco depicting the Madonna del Rosario, surrounded by ovals with scenes from the life of Jesus. An altar dedicated to Saint Catherine is kept in a niche supported by an octagonal Romanesque column, richly decorated with floral motifs and symbolic figures.

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is an unmissable stop for those visiting Labro and wishing to discover the historical, artistic and religious heritage of Sabina. In addition to being a place of worship, it represents a meeting point between history, architecture and art, offering an authentic experience in the heart of the medieval village.