Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known locally as Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, is a quaint yet historically rich church nestled in the countryside of Cerignola, Italy. This charming church, built in the 14th century, offers visitors a serene escape into the past, with its simple yet captivating architecture and fascinating history.
The origins of Santa Maria delle Grazie are steeped in a tale of refuge and devotion. The church was constructed by Lorenzo and Goffredo Lupis, who fled from the nearby city of Giovinazzo in 1382. Seeking solace and safety, they established this sacred site, which has since become a cherished landmark in the region. Over the centuries, the church has acquired several names, including Chiesa del Padre Eterno, due to the numerous depictions of the Eternal Father within its walls, and Incoronatella, named after the chapel dedicated to the Madonna dell'Incoronata, built by the Battaglino family in 1785.
The architecture of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a harmonious blend of simplicity and elegance. The exterior of the church is unassuming, with a plain facade punctuated by two upper windows and a Gothic-arched portal. Above the entrance, a lunette features a painting of the Eternal Father, adding a touch of divine artistry to the otherwise modest exterior. The entrance itself is slightly recessed below the street level, accessible via three steps, creating a sense of descent into a sacred space.
The facade is crowned by a simple bell tower, which houses a bell dating back to 1904. At the rear of the church, a small semicircular apse completes the structure, providing a quaint and intimate space for reflection. Adjacent to the church on the left side is a more recent construction that once served as a sacristy, adding a layer of historical continuity to the site.
Stepping inside Santa Maria delle Grazie, visitors are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. To the right of the entrance, a polycentric archway leads to the chapel of the Incoronata, while two round arches on the left side frame the entrance to the sacristy and the 18th-century altar dedicated to the Virgin of Graces. A wooden statue of the Madonna from the 15th century is preserved in a niche, serving as a testament to the church's enduring spiritual significance.
The original terracotta flooring, hailing from Canosa, was replaced during restoration works in 1969, yet the church retains its historical charm. The presbytery features a cross-vaulted ceiling adorned with two ribs that terminate about two meters from the floor, each adorned with allegorical images of hands and turtles. At the intersection of the ribs, a masonry sphere inscribed with Ave Maria adds a touch of devotional reverence.
The chapel of the Incoronata is a highlight of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Built from Lecce stone and adorned with intricate friezes, the altar bears the coat of arms of the Battaglino family, who funded its construction. In a niche above the altar, a canvas painting of the Virgin Incoronata is displayed, with an inscription dating back to 1784. The right altar also features another Battaglino family coat of arms, surrounded by an ornate frame and a dedication below.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to numerous historical frescoes, particularly those from the 15th century on the triumphal arch. These frescoes depict the Resurrected Christ and various saints, including Saint Lucy, Saint Vito, and Saint Leonard, alongside an unidentified fourth figure. The left wall features three additional figures, with the Virgin of Graces at the center. The apse is adorned with a fresco of the Madonna of Graces flanked by the Apostles, and the Eternal Father with the Madonna and Saint John the Baptist kneeling at the sides.
The church also preserves three significant graffiti. One from 1503 commemorates the Battle of Cerignola between French and Spanish forces, marking the transport of the body of Louis d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours, who led the defeated French army. Another from 1591 records the replacement of old doors, and the last from 1691 references an earthquake and a plague epidemic, providing a glimpse into the turbulent history that has shaped this sacred site.
In conclusion, Santa Maria delle Grazie is more than just a church; it is a historical gem that encapsulates centuries of devotion, artistry, and resilience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this enchanting church in Cerignola is sure to leave you with a profound sense of wonder and reverence.
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