In the village of Pietracatella stands the striking church of St. James, built in the 13th century over the old chapel of St. Margaret, now too small to accommodate the many worshippers. The building looks like a simplified version of the basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari, with a solid and austere structure, particularly evident in the eastern facade.
The church has two entrances: one on the right side, facing a flight of steps, and the other on the opposite side, reserved for the feudal lords. Both were of rough stone and simplified Gothic style. Only the south entrance retains today a monolithic lintel and a capital decorated with acanthus leaf motifs.
The gabled facade is plain and devoid of ornamentation. At the bottom there is still access to the chapel of St. Margaret, while at the top there are two narrow single-lancet windows, one at altar level and the other at the sacristy. The interior is striking for its vertical grandeur: with a single nave, it is marked by four bays covered by cross vaults, separated by ogival arches. The architecture allows the building to be placed between the 13th and 14th centuries.
In the 17th century the bell tower and sacristy were added, enriching the original structure. Few but precious elements are preserved inside, including an ancient stoup and especially a wooden crucifix of extraordinary intensity.
The wooden crucifix inside is considered one of the oldest in Molise. Its stylistic characteristics date it to the first half of the 14th century and link it to the Gothic sculptural tradition, probably influenced by Neapolitan artistic currents. The work is striking for its sobriety and emotional force: the Christ, with a recumbent head and a suffering but calm expression, conveys a sense of deep abandonment and spirituality.
On July 5, 2014, during Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Molise, the Pietracatella Crucifix was chosen to accompany the Eucharistic celebration in Campobasso, along with the statue of Our Lady of Libera from Cercemaggiore, recognizing its religious and artistic value.
St. James is not just a sacred building: it is the living memory of an entire community, a testimony of faith, art and identity that stand the test of time.