Santuario della Madonna di Bisaccia in Montenero di Bisaccia

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Bisaccia is about 1 km from the centre of Montenero di Bisaccia, situated on a hill and close to the Tratturo Centurelle - Montesecco, a derivation of the Reale Tratturo L'Aquila - Foggia. It dates back to 1200, and besides being a place of worship to which the inhabitants of Montenero are most attached, it is also the destination of many pilgrimages coming not only from Molise but also from Abruzzo and Puglia.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Bisaccia was built on the ruins of an earlier chapel destroyed by various earthquakes. Originally, the central plan dates back to 1811, while the side aisles were added in 1840. The main façade reflects the internal division into three naves. Both the main portal and the two side portals are dominated by a glazed lunette.
The main portal is surmounted by a portico with simple rectangular pillars, while in the second register there is a niche containing a statue of the Madonna and Child. The façade culminates in a large rose window. The side facades are both decorated with four stained-glass lunettes that illuminate the aisles. Inside, the three naves are divided by four round arches resting on decorated pilasters. The second register of the nave is divided into four lunettes with rectangular windows. The side naves, with only one register, contain niches with statues and lights, and end with small marble altars. The presbytery houses a small modern marble altar, behind which is the ancient altar with canopy containing the painting of the Madonna do Bisaccia, separated from the area reserved for the faithful by an arch on which runs the inscription Ave Maria Gratia Plena. The roof of the sanctuary is characterised by cross vaults and a central dome.
According to a popular legend, the painting of the Madonna of Bisaccia, painted by a parish priest, was found in the ruins of the rural chapel of Bisaccia. This is why the faithful requested the sanctuary there, in honour of their patroness. Today, access is provided by a monumental road and stairs.