Another significant and distinctive feature of the medieval village of Itri is undoubtedly the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its adjacent Moorish-style bell tower. Unfortunately, the church is closed to the public today due to extensive damage suffered during World War II. Inside, it houses frescoed walls depicting sacred images that are still in good condition. Only the bell tower has been restored by the Superintendence.
Trapezoidal in shape, the structure reflects the Campanian-Eastern style and was in significant disrepair due to bombings during the war. The bell tower dates back to the 13th century and combines local stone with alternating chromatic elements. The dome inside is decorated with polychrome frescoes, while the presence of biforas (with sturdy twisted columns) recalls the architectural motifs of Ravello and Amalfi. The bell tower likely reflects the influence of nearby Campania while maintaining its unique style, thanks to the characteristic framing exclusive to the Itri model.
Inside the church are two luminous frescoes remarkable for the grace of their figures: one, set in an oval niche, depicts the Madonna and Child surrounded by angelic heads; the other shows a bishop saint (possibly Saint Nicholas of Bari) bestowing blessings. This image is accompanied by seven panels depicting scenes likely related to the saint’s life. Both frescoes date back to the 14th century.
Due to the church’s precarious state, the painting of Saint Anthony the Abbot on the throne was removed, restored, and displayed in the Seminary Palace in Gaeta. The fresco, attributed to Giovanni da Gaeta, dates to the late 15th century and is in the late Gothic style.
