Santa Maria delle Grazie in Cassano Irpino is the oldest of the churches that stand in the town centre, it was built towards the end of the 14th century. However, a fresco in a Byzantine-style, existing until 1971, depicting a Madonna with Child, suggests that it was built in an earlier period. It consists of a large hall with two side chapels, an apse and the underlying crypt dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Starting in 1537, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was granted the same pr read more
Santa Maria delle Grazie in Cassano Irpino is the oldest of the churches that stand in the town centre, it was built towards the end of the 14th century. However, a fresco in a Byzantine-style, existing until 1971, depicting a Madonna with Child, suggests that it was built in an earlier period. It consists of a large hall with two side chapels, an apse and the underlying crypt dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Starting in 1537, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was granted the same privileges enjoyed by the Roman Basilica, thus increasing its prestige. People flocked in large numbers and the religious building of Cassano Irpino was adorned with the papal coat of arms. Of particular interest are the Holy Stairs, dated 1750, the 16th century Triptych, preserved in the Museum of San Francesco a Folloni in Montella, depicting the Madonna and Child in the centre, St. John the Baptist and St. Anthony on the sides and the two wooden statues of St. Bartholomew the Apostle and the Immaculate Conception. read less
