The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Tiriolo represents an important example of 16th-century religious architecture. Adjacent to the former Dominican convent, now the seat of the municipality, this parish church stands majestically in the town’s main square, welcoming passersby with its elegant and well-kept facade. During summer evenings, the church lights up, conveying a sense of peace and serenity that captivates visitors.
The church’s architecture is distinguished by a wide, triangular entrance portal, surmounted by a tympanum that houses stucco bas-reliefs, evidence of the craftsmanship of past periods. The facade is further enhanced by a circular clock, and on either side are two stucco statues depicting Charity and Temperance, symbols of virtues that adorn the entrance.
Internally, the church is characterized by a single nave, with side chapels equipped with altars, all harmoniously arranged. In the center, immediately in front of the apse, towers the high altar, decorated with stucco imitating the elegant marble finishes typical of Neapolitan Baroque. The side chapels, bordered by pilasters with Ionic-Corinthian style capitals, feature minor tone altars that recall the grandeur of the main altar.
A striking feature is the life-size wooden crucifix on the high altar, which is a sign of deep devotion and spirituality. In addition to this, a delicate wooden sculpture, depicting St. Mary of Grace, is kept inside the church, adding to the artistic and religious value of the place.
The façade, with its decorative stucco work by Miglierinese masters in the late 19th century, and the neoclassical portal testify to the church’s artistic evolution over the centuries. With a rich history and an enchanting atmosphere, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie continues to be an important landmark for the community of Tiriolo.