The Parish Church of Monterosso al Mare was founded on November 8, 1340, with the permission of the Bishop of Luni, Antonio Fieschi, as recorded in a plaque on the southern side of the building. Positioned in the upper part of the village, the church is the result of a period of considerable economic development and settlement in the area, and is a fine 14th-century work by antelamic craftsmen.A significant and important reconstruction of the façade in neo-Gothic style and the enlargement of the entire building were carried out in 1870 following a collapse, retaining, however, the 14th-century rose window in white Carrara marble. The two Gothic-style entrances and single lancet windows decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements are what remains of the original structure.The church, which has a basilica plan with three naves separated by elegant ogival arches, contains several artistic treasures. These include a wooden crucifix by Maragliano, a triptych depicting the Madonna and Child and Saints Rocco and Sebastian from the 15th century, marble reliefs from 1530, a valuable 18th-century pulpit, and an Agati mechanical organ from 1851.The Parish Church of Monterosso al Mare is an important historical and artistic testimony to the region and is a place of worship of great significance to the local community. Its 14th-century architecture and the works of art inside make it an attractive destination for visitors wishing to explore the cultural heritage of the Cinque Terre.
