The Church of Santa Maria La Nova, located in the village of Palata, is one of the most iconic and historically significant religious buildings in the area. According to the inscription found on the main arch of the portal, its original construction dates back to the year 1531. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various changes and renovations, most notably during the 20th century. Today, it features a Latin cross floor plan with three naves and eight arches, although the first two arches have been closed off.
A major restoration took place in 1928 under the direction of Don Emilio Vetta. This intervention gave the church its distinctive external appearance, blending traditional and Moorish influences. The façade was redesigned with exposed brickwork, two large windows, a central rose window, and an elegant pronaos composed of three arches. Adjacent to the church stands a square bell tower, which rises to an octagonal spire, enhancing the verticality and balance of the complex.
Inside, the church reveals a richly decorated coffered ceiling and several side altars devoted to saints deeply rooted in local devotion, such as Saint Nicholas, Saint Joseph, Saint Anthony of Padua, Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Sacred Heart. Particularly noteworthy is the main altar, crafted in 1725 by the local master artisan Gregorio da Palata. Made of stucco, it imitates precious marble and displays elaborate ornamental motifs that reflect both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.
In the choir area, there are eleven finely arranged choir stalls. The central one, made of carved stone, bears the episcopal coat of arms of Monsignor Giannandrea Moscarelli, which is distinguished by three small pears known as “moscarelle,” a symbolic element tied to the bishop’s family name. The church complex also includes auxiliary spaces such as a storage room and a utility area, underscoring its ongoing role in the life of the local community.