Chiesa di Sant’Anna dei Pompetti, Teramo

The small brick church is what remains of the initial part, perhaps an atrium, of the ancient cathedral of Santa Maria Aprutiensis, founded in the 6th century on Roman remains, rebuilt in the 12th century and almost demolished in 1155 by Roberto di Loretello. The exterior reveals large bricked-up arches on the side, while the interior, considerably lowered compared to street level, is marked by low pillars that support brick ribbed vaults. Among the preserved paintings, a Majesty between two saints by Giacomo da Campli, active in Piceno Teramano and Ascolano in the second half of the 15th century. The large excavations open to visitors next to the church have uncovered the plan of the ancient cathedral, with three naves and a final circular apse.