In the small village of Castelbottaccio stands the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. Its origins date back to the Norman period, when a first oratory was built. The current church was consecrated on 4 May 1178, as a plaque inside found during the restoration. After centuries of history and worship, the building was reopened to the public in 1999 following a careful restoration.
The architectural structure, in baroque style, has an irregular plan with three naves with vaults and rectangular presbytery. The church is entirely made of stone, with a plastered facade that culminates in the center with a hut cover. Laterally, the facade descends with elegant curved lines. Two portals – one main and one lateral – are surmounted by elongated oculi that give lightness to the facade. On the right side of the building there is a two-log bell tower, resting on a solid shoe base.
Inside the church houses important works of sacred art: three wooden sculptures of great artistic value. The statue of Saint Lucia (1841) is the work of Crescenzo Ranallo di Oratino, that of the Virgin of Grace (1694) is attributed to Giacomo Colombo, a student of Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, finally the statue of San Giuseppe (1780) was made by Silverio Giovannitti, he also from Oratino, a town famous for its artistic tradition.
Another element of great religious interest kept inside the church is the relic of San Oto, patron of Castelbottaccio, a phalanx of the ring finger.. This detail testifies to the deep devotion of the local community towards their patron saint.
The presence of a cantoria in masonry on the counter-facade, a cornice marcapiano along the walls and rectangular windows that illuminate the interior complete the architectural picture of a building that, although old, has remained alive over time.
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is thus not only a place of worship, but also a historical and artistic reference point for the country and for the entire territory of Molise.