The Church of Santa Maria Paganica

The Church of Santa Maria Paganica is a religious building in L’Aquila, named after the village of Paganica, now a hamlet, whose inhabitants contributed to the founding of the city in the 13th century.
It was consecrated in 1308 and, due to its importance, is considered the head church of its quarter, giving its name to the historic district where it stands.
In 1902, it was declared a national monument.
It was severely damaged by the 2009 earthquake.
Behind the church wall, on the apse side along Via Mazzini, there is a 14th-century male bust, showing a grotesque grimace with his tongue sticking out.
It is not known whether the sculpture belongs to the church or came from a palace, but the figure has inspired a group of jesting brothers who, since 2003, have organized the Festa della Maldicenza (Festival of Slander) dedicated to Saint Agnes, on January 21st.