Chiesa di Santa Maria Vetere

In the heart of Andria, Italy, lies a hidden gem of historical and architectural splendor – the Chiesa di Santa Maria Vetere. This captivating church, with its rich history and serene ambiance, offers visitors a journey back in time, revealing stories of faith, resilience, and community spirit.

The Historical Tapestry of Santa Maria Vetere

The story of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Vetere is deeply intertwined with the history of Andria itself. The church's origins can be traced back to a papal bull issued by Pope Eugene IV on September 11, 1435. This decree authorized Father Antonio da Andria to establish three convents, one of which was Santa Maria Vetere. This initiative was greatly supported by the local populace and was further bolstered by the arrival of San Giovanni da Capestrano in 1436, whose diplomatic mission also included promoting the Observant movement in Puglia.

Historical records, such as those found in the Chronology of the Order of Friars Minor by Wadding, note that by 1438, a convent dedicated to the Blessed Maria Vetere was constructed with public funds. This convent served dual purposes: it was a center for theological education for adolescents and a place for the care of the sick. The convent, located next to the chapel of the Blessed Maria Vetere, was home to the Provincial Vicar at the time, Father Antonio da Andria, and was considered one of the principal convents in the Observant Province of San Nicola di Bari.

Long before the official establishment of the convent, the site already had a significant religious presence. As early as 1398, it was recorded that a priest named Frate Onorato was buried in the church, and in 1419, Antonia Brunforte, daughter of Count Federico Brunforte of Bisceglie and wife of the second Duke of Andria, Guglielmo del Balzo, was also interred here. Clear references to the existence of the monastery appear in the will of Francesco II del Balzo (1420), where the friars were named as legatees.

The convent played a crucial role in the monastic Province of San Nicola, often hosting the provincial minister who held a place of honor in processions. Over the centuries, the convent underwent numerous changes, including the establishment of a theological school and a hospital. Despite the suppression of religious orders in the Kingdom of Naples under Joachim Murat's decree in the early 19th century, the convent of Santa Maria Vetere managed to survive thanks to timely interventions by local authorities.

The Architectural Marvels of Santa Maria Vetere

The facade of the church is modest yet elegant, featuring a large portal crowned by a cornice and an expansive window above. Statues of Saint Anthony and Saint Paschal Baylon adorn the gables, while a niche at the center houses a kneeling Saint Francis. The interior of the church is a single nave, with six symmetrical altars that once lined the side walls, their accompanying paintings still in place. The church's decor was completed by a golden wooden coffered ceiling with blue backgrounds and stylized flowers, dating back to the 18th century.

Significant restoration work was undertaken in the 1980s, including the creation of the Blessed Sacrament chapel, the redesign of the presbytery, and the installation of new confessionals and wooden benches. The restoration project was overseen by architect Antonio Vigorelli from the Beato Angelico school in Milan. The church also houses a beautifully restored organ from 1756, and the churchyard was renovated in 1992. From 2005 to 2010, the church's paintings and statues were meticulously restored, and the dome, featuring frescoes of the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Francis, and Franciscan doctors, was refurbished in 2010.

The Towering Bell Tower

The bell tower, integrated into the church and adjacent to the presbytery, dates back to the 16th century, as indicated by an inscription at its base. Standing approximately 40 meters tall, the tower is baroque in style and houses four bells. The first level features simple round-arched windows, while the second level is richly ornamented with rounded corners, amphora-shaped elements, and arched windows with balustrades. The quadrangular, undulating spire adds a touch of baroque elegance.

Among the bells, the most notable is the one dated 1496, with its distinctive shape and clear, silvery tone. Another bell, from 1703, and the largest bell, dedicated to Saint Francis and dated 1880, add to the tower's historical significance. The smallest bell, featuring the Franciscan emblem, dates back to 1881.

The Convent and Its Cloister

The oldest part of the convent is the cloister, composed of seven pointed arches per side and cross-vaulted ceilings. The walls are adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis, and medallions between the lunettes portray Franciscan saints. At the center of the cloister stands a cistern surrounded by four stone columns.

Over time, the original structure of the convent has undergone numerous expansions and transformations, significantly altering its appearance. The convent of Santa Maria Vetere was once the principal convent of the Observant Friars Minor of San Nicola, serving as the provincial minister's residence and a center for philosophical study. Despite the suppression of religious orders in 1866, the convent continued to play a vital role in the community, eventually becoming a home for the elderly and a kindergarten, managed by the Santa Maria Vetere social cooperative.

Today, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Vetere stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Andria community. Its walls echo with centuries of history, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era and a serene space for reflection and admiration. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, Santa Maria Vetere promises a captivating and enriching experience.