The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi characterizes the central part of Strada Maggiore, with the open space that opens up in front of the churchyard, delimited by an airy portico with marble columns on all four sides. Built at the end of the 14th century with a three-nave plan, this basilica houses numerous works of art, including the splendid Madonna enthroned by Cimabue, a large tempera and gold painting on wood, as well as works by Vitale da Bologna, Lippo di Dalmasio, Angelo di Michele (Montorsoli) with his beautiful marble altarpiece on the main altar and other works of the Bolognese school between the 16th and 18th centuries. To complete the building is the 52 meter high bell tower.
Musical activity makes the Basilica even more alive, with a calendar of concerts that is renewed every year (musicaiservi.it) and for which the Tamburini pipe organ located on the left wall is often involved. Along the external portico of Strada Maggiore which runs alongside the Basilica, every year, from mid-November to the end of December, the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia takes place, an ancient market which over time has transformed into a Christmas market which has roots in a history spanning over four centuries.
