The Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli in Tavenna is one of the town’s most significant places of worship, symbolizing local devotion and deep-rooted history. Its construction dates back to the late 18th century, as revealed by the Latin inscription above the entrance portal (1773), which celebrates the Illyrians’ dedication to the Virgin Mary. Another date, 1796, engraved beside the main altar, likely marks a subsequent intervention or the completion of the church.
The structure features a single nave with impressive dimensions: nearly 40 meters long, almost 10 wide, and over 11 meters high. Inside, four richly adorned side altars enhance the space, with finely crafted stuccoes, niches, statues, and a gleaming main altar that stands out for its detailed ornamentation.
Over time, the church underwent several restoration works. The most recent was carried out during the installation of a modern underfloor heating system. During the works, an ancient mosaic-decorated floor was uncovered—an unexpected gem that further enriches the church’s historical charm.
The church was officially reopened to the public on July 2, 2000, during the First Solemn Mass celebrated by a newly ordained local priest, Carlo Lamelza. Today, Santa Maria di Costantinopoli is not just a place of spirituality—it is a shared space of memory that continues to tell the story of Tavenna through its art and architecture.