Chiesa della Madonna della Stella

In the countryside outside Tagliacozzo, the Church of the Madonna della Stella has a richly decorated Rococo interior. The single nave contains a vaulted fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin, a 1771 organ and two signed paintings from the same year.

Why it matters

The church's portal inscription, read as “10-BIAS-A.D.1515,” associates its foundation with Giovanni Biasucci in 1515. Its later history includes a period of decline and a restoration in 1890 that returned the building to worship.

What to notice

The portal's lunette contains a weathered fresco of the Madonna and Child. Inside, the single nave has Rococo decoration in gold, ivory, brown and pastel red, with faux-marble panels and gilded frames. A fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin covers the barrel vault. At the counter-facade is the 1771 organ; paintings of the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi are signed T. Galletelli 1771. In the concave altar, the Madonna della Stella appears in a fresco set within carved and gilded wood, surrounded by stucco angels.

Context and history

The church served the scattered farms of the contrada that bears its name, along the road toward the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Oriente. It was altered in the 17th century. By 1886 it was reported in poor condition and was said to have been used as a shelter by bandits. A restoration in 1890 renewed the stuccoes and returned it to worship. Two canvases that once occupied the side frames are no longer present.