Chiesa di Sant'Emidio ad Agnone

The 'cathedral' of Agnone is dedicated to St. Emidio, and is thought to have been erected by merchants from Ascoli Piceno (who had an intense wool and fabric trading relationship with Agnone) in honour of their patron saint, protector against earthquakes.
It was built outside the medieval city walls almost certainly following the disastrous earthquake of 1096. Initially modest in size and with a single nave, it was enlarged in later centuries.
The church has an irregular rectangular layout, with the main nave retaining its original 14th-century layout (apse, choir and trussed ceiling). The second nave was added around 1400, using part of the medieval perimeter walls defending the city.
The asymmetrical layout is also given by the presence of the adjoining Biblioteca Emidiana.
Following the disastrous earthquakes of the 18th century and 1805, restoration and internal modifications were carried out, with the original Gothic side windows replaced by larger ones.
The church has recently been restored, with the roof of the Baroque nave being re-roofed in order to preserve the precious painted wooden ceiling.
Pope John Paul II visited the church in 1995, when he also visited the Marinelli bell foundry.