In the heart of the historic center of Colletorto, overlooking the charming Angioina Tower and adjacent to the Marchesale Palace, stands the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, patron of the country. Its origins date back to the fourteenth century when a series of earthquakes devastated the ancient village of Laureto between 1279 and 1300. The current building was built later and was expanded in 1730 by order of Mons. Tria, bishop of Larino, to cope with the increase in population.
The only surviving element of the oldest structure is the bell tower, rebuilt at the top after being struck by lightning. It is now the main entrance of the church, giving the facade a unique look. The church has a rectangular plan with a single nave, enriched by eight side altars. Among the most significant works are two wooden statues, depicting San Giovanni Battista and San Giuseppe, made by Giacomo Colombo, a sculptor of the Neapolitan school active between 1679 and 1705.
Also remarkable is a seventeenth-century panel painting depicting the “Madonna della Purità”, recently restored by the Soprintendenza ai Beni Culturali del Molise. To complete the artistic heritage, a precious altarpiece by the painter Paolo Gamba from 1751 depicts the Holy Family with puttini and purgatory souls supported by angels, work full of pathos and devotion.
The facade of the church recalls the Norman style, with a side portal decorated by two angels and the head of Saint John the Baptist. Above it are the Latin initials I.P.B.C. (Iohanni Baptistae Praeceptori Christi – To John the Baptist, preceptor of Christ), a testimony of deep local devotion.
In 2002, the Mother Church was closed for major restoration work. However, the earthquake of October of that year interrupted its recovery, making it necessary internal props to avoid the collapse of the vault. The religious services were temporarily moved to the church of the monastery of Sant’Alfonso dé Liguori. Thanks to regional funding, the works were completed and the building was rededicated on 26 March 2006 by Mgr. Tommaso Valentinetti, giving back to the community a place of worship renewed and more shining than ever.