The Duomo, better known as the Church of S. Maria della Serra, is situated on a hill supported by imposing walls, with a beautiful staircase, a round tuff balustrade and a large terrace.
It was built around the thirteenth century, probably on the ruins of the mausoleum of the Roman commander Lucio Attilio Serrano, from which the name of the whole area (Serra) derives; more reliable sources justify the decision to build it outside the town walls, because of the frequent earthquakes that destroyed the old church of the Assunta, so it was decided to rebuild it on Mount Serrone.
Legend has it that the decision to build the church on top of a hill was due to the disappearance from the village of the statue of the Madonna of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in 1227. It seems that it was then found following the incredible light that radiated from the Serra hill, so much so that the citizens of Montalto decided to build a new temple in this area.
What is certain is that following the disastrous earthquake of February 1854, the church was restored but without following the original plan, i.e. a Greek cross, turning into a massive Latin cross in neoclassical style, in stark contrast with the external facade.
