Church of Madonna delle Grazie

The church stands on a rocky spur at an altitude of 388 meters above sea level, along the eastern slope of Mount San Casto

Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie

Its dominant position offers a panoramic view of the entire Sora plain. To reach the church, visitors must take a scenic footpath consisting of over 400 stone steps. Behind the building, a trail leads directly to the Castle of San Casto, adding to the site's charm. Built in the 16th century, the church features a single large nave and has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. 

The first significant intervention took place in 1861, but shortly after the work was completed, the building was occupied by soldiers from Piemonte, who only vacated it in 1865. In 1867, further restoration and extensions were initiated, funded by the sale of gold and silver votive offerings and the generous contributions of its congregation. In 1909, the church received a precious statue of the Madonna delle Grazie, which became an object of deep devotion. Every year, during Easter celebrations, the statue is carried in a procession to the Church of Santa Restituta before returning to the sanctuary on Easter Monday.

The church's interior is adorned with valuable decorations. In 1951, the nave was embellished with paintings by the Sora-born artist Aristodemo Giacchetti, in collaboration with his nephew Augusto Giacchetti and Clemente Cristini. Among the most notable works are the depiction of the Holy Spirit above the main altar and various Christian symbols, including Peter’s boat with a sail and Christ’s monogram, a dove with an olive branch, an anchor, an ark and a rainbow.
Another artistic treasure is an 18th-century fresco carefully preserved inside the sanctuary, attributed to an anonymous artist and depicting the Madonna of Mount Carmel.

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