Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Built on the remains of a pagan temple, it was consecrated in 1295. The facade, in Romanesque style, was embellished in the early 1600s by a Renaissance portal. The interior, with three naves with a transept, has a raised presbytery, dominated at the rear by the chapel of San Vito, patron saint of the city; some paintings are enclosed in the wooden ceiling of 1720. Along the aisles there are valuable sixteenth-century sculptures in polychrome stone by Stefano da Putignano, such as the Pietà, the Madonna enthroned with Child and the group of the Nativity, declared a national monument. The work of greatest artistic value, however, is kept in the sacristy: a polyptych depicting the Madonna with Child among Saints, executed in tempera on a panel by Bartolomeo Vivarini in 1485.

After the restoration it is full of light and the Holy Spirit Priest as always welcoming

A place dear to the people of Polignano, it can finally be visited and admired after a careful restoration.

Yesterday I witnessed something extraordinary at least for me. The presentation of the restoration work of the Mother Church with the participation of all the professors and professionals as well as the promoters of the restoration. Fantastic. All accompanied by the sounds of the newly restored organ; courtly moment. I happened to visit the construction site during the works; a work of immense difficulty; in the choice of materials, solutions, installation times and reaction times of the materials; foresight. INCREDIBLE. And if this happens also for the public works of our municipality. Present the project in public, so before the start of work, through the professionals in charge and afterwards, when the work is finished. And if this happens in every branch, each councilor accompanied by a manager informs the users of the program and how and what results to obtain. UTOPIA? To date we learn everything in the end; the costume to wear is dropped. POINT. No right of reply or involvement. So it is even if you don't like it. Don Gaetano succeeded. He managed to get everyone involved; from users to professionals, to politicians. ALL up to the last of his faithful. He created a team that instead of 11 became an "open team"; anyone can participate with responsibility and desire to do (the opposite of breaking up). Was a model to follow in Polignano? The Don Gaetano model? The Bishop recalled that everyone sits in the church and there is room for everyone; in the middle of the Church, above the faithful, there is the organ (Art) at the entrance; on the other side there is the Cupoone di S. Vito (Lo Spirito). Above, the icons of the saint and his family. The whole is CREATED; without having to name it. Every subject or object is the Creation; Everything stands and integrates thanks to the CREATOR. (This is what I understood from the Bishop's speech and I hope I understand). Thank you For letting me participate in this event. I add this as a summary of the evening: the group makes strength.

Very beautiful and characteristic church that overlooks the clock square, the true living room of this town that has become an international tourist reference.

In the splendid square of the historic center stands this ancient and very remarkable church, the first evidence of which dates back to the seventh century. Remodeled over the centuries, what we see today is an interesting and harmonious blend of different architectural styles: the exterior of Romanesque origin, the interior rebuilt according to the aesthetic dictates of the eighteenth century. The monument has been recently renovated and inside you can admire beautiful wooden works such as a finely painted and masterfully worked 18th century pulpit and a 15th century statue of San Vito in perfect condition. The ceilings are completely frescoed. It is a spiritual place to visit and admire.