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Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie) in Arpino: history, faith and local life
Just outside the walls of Arpino, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie stands as a familiar landmark. Here, on 10 June 1463, the Peace of Arpino agreements were signed, from that day on becoming part of the city's history. Every 2 July, people gather for the Madonna’s feast, with the sound of bells and the scent of fresh flowers scattered on the parvis.
From its origins to the confraternity
Historical documents mention the church as early as the 15th century. It was a small oratory, later expanded as the community grew. In 1678, the Confraternity of Santa Maria delle Grazie managed to build the rear oratory thanks to donations and rents. Later, in 1893, engineer Emilio Antenangeli redesigned the façade and the interior. Three years later, Bishop Raffaele Sirolli reconsecrated the main altar.
What to see today
Inside, the single nave church is a place of both art and silence. The “Battesimo di Cristo” (Baptism of Christ), a product of the school of the Cavalier d’Arpino, 1600 circa, is in dialogue with the “Statua di San Rocco” (Statue of Saint Roch) and the “Fuga in Egitto”, 1639 (Flight into Egypt). On the main altar stands the Madonna delle Grazie between two plaster angels sculpted by Vincenzo Morricone in 1921. Outside, many visitors still climb up to the upper loggia — the one used for the Ascension blessing — if only to take in the view over the valley.
