In the heart of Carovilli, overlooking the main square of the village, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most extraordinary examples of sacred art in Molise. Reopened to worship in 1927, it is a witness of the deep spirituality and artistic ferment that have passed through the centuries. Its origins date back to the 10th century although the current structure is attributed to the first half of the 15th century and shows influences of the Lombard style, evident in the architectural system and in the preserved remains.
The interior houses many valuable works. Of particular interest is the sixteenth-century water fountain, made by workshops in Molise, enriched by a singular relief: a snake with pinnate tail that comes out of the tank, symbolically interpreted as a figure of evil tamed by holy water. Also dating back to the sixteenth century are the processional cross, the jambs of the high altar and various decorations in local stone.
In the seventeenth century, the church was further enriched with the construction of the baptismal font (1622), the altar of SS. Rosario, wooden statues of San Rocco and Sant’Antonio, the bust of Santo Stefano del Lupo and the precious exhibition of the organ, painted in green water and gold tones, commissioned by Onorio di Caccavone. Also from this period are the coat of arms of the Duke of Alexander, the masks of the high altar and the wooden cabinet of the sacristy.
In the 18th century, the church took on a Baroque style thanks to the addition of the wooden walnut choir, confessionals, pulpit and paintings of Purgatory and the Assumption, attributed to the school of Francesco Solimena.. It is also enriched with friezes in stucco, relics with authentic, and polychrome marbles, especially in the main altars.
The nineteenth century brings further interventions: the altars of the side aisles are born, the coffered ceiling, and works are commissioned to well-known local artists such as Emilio Labbate and Silverio Giovannitti.. Late century are the watercolor prints of the Way of the Cross, coming from Paris.
Finally, the Renaissance facade, built in 1900 after the removal of the pronaos with three arches, gives the church its current appearance. The stained glass windows and medallions frescoed by Paolo Gamba with the Holy Fathers complete an artistic journey of great value, making the Church of Santa Maria Assunta a true treasure of Molise heritage.