It's a little rural village on the road along Santerno river bank. About 770 years ago, a terrible flood destroyed all Santa Maria in Fabriago territory which, at that time, was a lively centre such as the neigbouring Lugo and Conselice. The inhabitants of the village moved to Lugo and gathered in the current via Cento and via Trebbo.
In Santa Maria still remain some old buildings: the parish church, the castle (restored during the XIX century), the arch of the dukedom doorway at the entrance of the town (XVII century), the bell tower (VII century).
S. Maria in Fabriago used to be hometown of Zanotti factories which produced Estensi's arms. In town there's still a ferrier's workshop, it's no more working but still keeps all its equipment.