The church, named after Maria Santissima del Carmine, was built ex novo during the 17th century to replace the older one dedicated to San Nicola degli Schiavoni, and is one of the most significant examples of the Baroque in Abruzzo. The façade has a monumental character, with a magnificent portal of a late renaissance style, on which a window with a balustrade also opens. The side pilaster strips, together with the two flights of staircase, contribute to the enhancement of its perspective development. The design, to which Luigi Vanvitelli contributed, is by the Neapolitan architect, Mario Gioffredo. Clearly deriving from Vanvitelli’s school, the interior has a Greek cross plan with a slight asymmetry between the wings, while the peculiar baroque belfry has a trapezoidal cross section. The big painting of the main altar is by Crescenzo La Gamba: rich in delicate colors, it shows the "Presentation of Infant Mary to God Almighty”. On the altar to the right of the cross, we can admire "St. Benedict in the cave" by Nicola Tiberi from Vasto. The one on the left is the "Madonna del Carmine with Saints Nicola and Andrew" by Giulio de Litiis from Vasto. On the minor chapels, “The Ecstasy of Saint Therese of Avila" and "Crucifix with Saints" are by the Neapolitan, Fedele Fischetti.
