Santa Maria Assunta is an ancient, Romanesque architecture style, Roman Catholic church in the hill-town of

Guardalfiera Guardialfiera is a ''comune'' (municipality) in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian region Molise, located about northeast of Campobasso. It sits on a hilltop overlooking Lake Guardialfiera, which was created as a result of the damming of ...

, Province of Campobasso, Region of Molise, Italy. Named in 1053 a cathedral with bishop, but it would lose the primacy of its diocese, and now serves as a parish church.

History

A church at the site, which is the highest point in the town, was likely present in 9th century. The structure has undergone numerous reconstructions after earthquakes (including

1456 Year 1456 ( MCDLVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. Events January–December * May 18 – Second Battle of Oronichea (1456): Ottoman Forces of 15,000 are sent t ...

) and fires. Recent restorations of church removed some of the wall plastering to reveal older decorative architectural elements, many embedded in the outer walls. The church is said to contain the relics of a

Saint Gaudentius Saint Gaudentius ( it, San Gaudenzio di Brescia; died 410) was Bishop of Brescia from 387 until 410, and was a theologian and author of many letters and sermons. He was the successor of Saint Philastrius. Biography Gaudentius had studied under P ...

, perhaps that of Rimini. The crypt still highlights some of the ancient stone masonry. The facade and bell tower were rebuilt in 1845, and in 1858, the church was reduced from three to one nave. The eastern façade has a ''Holy Door'', a gothic architecture portal opened annually for indulgences. Region of Molise tourism office
entry.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maria Assunta Romanesque architecture in Molise Churches in the province of Campobasso