An impressive 13th-century building, known as the Church of “Santa Maria Grande”, stands on the town’s highest point. Originally, it was a church that dated back to the 11th century.
Eventually, this site became the town’s first significant settlement.
In 1263, the church was ceded to the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual and was consecrated again to the Saint. It was the Franciscans to restore the building in Romanesque-Gothic style. The portal is made of travertine and was built by master builder Gallo. It features a semi-circular arch decorated with an asp, a basilisk and a lion, which according to Christian-mediaeval tradition represent despair, presumption and pride. The portal also features two lions supporting the columns and a lunette with the coat of arms of Pope Sixtus V, Franciscan friar born in the Marches, whose ascent to the papal throne allowed the friars to make radical changes to the church, making it more imposing. The original entrance was located on the side where the Pincio is today, while another door on the opposite side gave access to the convent’s cloister. Inside, the church featured a single nave in the simple and functional style that is typical of Franciscan buildings. Around the end of the 18th century, the construction underwent the last changes taking on the current neoclassical style. Attached to the church is the Farfense Chapel.