The church of Santa Maria Assunta was built on the highest point of Rocca Santo Stefano and dominates the skyline of the town. It was probably built as a chapel for the nearby castle and over time it expanded to take on its current appearance.
The last major renovation dates back to 1749, as shown by a plaque inside the church that reports the contribution of the population to its construction. While some documents report that the design of the church was made by architect Aristide Pozzi inspired by the church of Simmate in Rome and that the organ was commissioned to a famous company from Affile.
The church was consecrated in 1876 by Cardinal Raffaele Monaco La Valletta.
The church was then damaged by the 2009 earthquake and restored the following year.
The facade is made of exposed stone which, together with bricks, are worked in such a way as to highlight architectural motifs and ends with a triangular-shaped tympanum.
The bell tower is integrated into the façade although placed in a slightly set back position.
The interior has a single nave with side chapels with altars and works of art framed by round arches and barrel vaults. The main chapel is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin with Saint Stephen and Saint Benedict painted by a student of the school of the cavalier Menfi.
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