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The Church of the Madonna della Pace in Cantalice: the story of a peace painted in wood
In Cantalice, the Church of the Madonna della Pace (Our Lady of Peace) is a story of reconciliation. Built in 1571 to celebrate the end of hostilities with the nearby city of Rieti, it is now a landmark in the village. Its most distinctive feature is a remarkable 18th-century polychrome wooden coffered ceiling — a work of art that is worth the visit on its own.
A painted wooden sky
Looking up, it becomes immediately clear why this church is so special. The 18th-century ceiling is an expanse of recessed wooden panels, all decorated with geometric motifs that are echoed on the balustrade of the choir loft. Among the panels there is also a painting depicting the birth of Mary.
From the rediscovered fresco to the statue of the saint
Restoration works have brought to light a fresco of the Madonna Enthroned. But that is not the only surprise. Along the walls there are further works of note, including a polychrome plaster Christ and an 18th-century canvas depicting the mystical marriage of St Francis. The visit concludes outside, in the small square, where since 1987 a bronze statue by the sculptor Bernardino Morsani has stood in memory of St Felix of Cantalice.
The interior of the church is not open to visitors following the earthquake of 2016. It can only be admired from the outside. For up-to-date information, it is advisable to contact the Comune di Cantalice.
