The Church of Santa Maria Assunta (St Mary of the Assumption) in Armeno, the most picturesque village on the western side of Lake Orta, is regarded as one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the Novara area, datable to the 11^th-12^th centuries.

Its imposing façade is divided into three sections and decorated with Lombard bands resting on stone sculptures of double human and animal heads, in a variety of designs. The same feature is found on the capitals of the columns supporting the stately portal of the façade. On the left is the bell tower, built on a square plan, with double lancet windows, triple on the top storey.

The Church’s Latin cross plan is divided into three naves separated by massive pillars with characteristic capitals. The interior contains fine 16^th century frescoes, including a Three-headed Trinity and St Stephen the first martyr.

In the most recent part of the left side apse is a large painting of the Deposition from the Cross by Fermo Stella of Caravaggio (1548). The central apse contains an imposing wooden choir in Baroque style.

The attractiveness of the building is enhanced by the broad church square in front; this was once a cemetery, as is shown by the 18^th century ossuary chapel, which has a fine wrought iron gate.

The church is surrounded by the chapels of the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross).