Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie dates back to the 16th century when the Commander of Maruggio was Mattia de Capua. It was built by the Observant Friars who received authorization from Pope Clement VII on April 6, 1534, and was completed in 1575.\n\nThe structure includes a church and an adjoining cloister. The church was built on an earlier church and consists of a single nave with three chapels on the left and one chapel on the right. Initially, the church was extended in depth, and the only chapel on the right and the last chapel on the left were also built. In the left chapel, a Baroque-style altar was constructed, which was later divided, with elements reused in other parts of the church. Later, in the late Baroque period, the other two chapels on the left were built, featuring altars in the Lecce Baroque style.\n\nThe cloister is presented as a quadriportico articulated in 20 arches divided by octagonal pilasters. The 28 lunettes feature 17th-century frescoes, some of which depict scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Paschal Baylon, and Saint Bernard of Siena. The ceiling has cross-vaulted ceilings in local carparo and tufobiancastro stone. In the center of the cloister is a well surmounted by columns supporting a statue of Saint Anthony with the Child.