The Church of Santa Maria dei Lumi is located by the entrance gate to the ancient borgo of Bassano in Teverina (province of Viterbo) and was formerly the parish church. It was built in 1100-1200 in Romanesque style in local stone known as “peperino”. The increasing population and the building of a church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception led to its disuse from 1855. For a short period of time after 1870, it was deconsecrated and used for other purposes: voting station, wheat storage, hospital for infectious diseases, until its restauration in 1928 and reconsecration the following year.
The church has three naves divided into two orders by columns linked by round arches beneath a timber trussed ceiling. Many of the frescoes preserved here – The Baptism of Jesus, St. Anthony Abbot and The Crucifixion – date between the 15th and 17th centuries. A 16th century bell tower flanks the church with a double tower whose ancient belfry in 12th century Romanesque style, with double and triple lancet windows, is supported by little columns decorated with statues, men and floral motifs, the only animated belfry in Italy. The clock dates to the 17th century and is decorated with hand painted tiles.
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