Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Casalvecchio di Puglia was rebuilt in 1984.

The exterior is characterized by an overlap of materials that highlights the various retouching it has undergone over time up to the recent rebuilding. The facade is made of brick and has three entrances; the upper crown is surmounted by a classical tympanum in white plaster.

To the side of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie there is a huge three-storey bell tower with a square base, the first in stone, the other two in brick. The last level houses the bells and above it rises an octagonal body with a clock surmounted by a spire.

The current church stands on the remains of a pre-existing one, built in the early 19th century thanks to the dedication of the people of Casalvecchio, who transported the stones and sand on donkey back. The original church was imposing, with large columns dividing three aisles and cross-vaulted ceilings. A fire in 1911 destroyed the magnificent wooden choir with the effigy of the Madonna of the Olive Trees. Subsequently, the church suffered serious damages due to ground subsidence and was closed in the 1970s, while the earthquake of Irpinia in 1980 led to its final decline. A new and impressive church was built starting from the 1980s, with a brick facade and a mighty bell tower. Inside, several statues, including those of the Madonna of Graces and St. Nicholas of Bari, are displayed, and under the altar, the relics of some saints are preserved, including Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, the founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Photo Credits: Asia