Description of the attraction
The Church of Santa Maria della Marina is the cathedral of the town of San Benedetto del Tronto, the main resort of the Palm Riviera on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Also, since 1983, it has been the seat of the Bishop of San Benedetto del Tronto-Ripatransone-Montalto. And in July 2001, Santa Maria della Marina received the title of minor basilica on the initiative of Pope John Paul II.
The original design of the church was carried out in the first half of the 19th century by the Bologna-based architect Gaetano Ferri. However, construction work began only in 1847 and stretched out for six decades due to constant delays and changes to the plan. The church was consecrated and opened to the public only in 1908, despite the fact that it was still far from the final completion of construction work. The white limestone façade and wide external staircase were completed after World War II, and the entire building was solemnly consecrated in February 1973.
Inside, Santa Maria della Marina consists of a central nave and two side chapels. The apse of the church is decorated with frescoes by the Franciscan artist Ugolino da Belluno, which depict the various saints and traditions of the maritime city. There, in the apse, there is a 17th century painting depicting the Madonna and Child. And in the two side altars are the relics of the patrons of San Benedetto del Tronto - Saints Urbic and Illuminato.
