Two Churches in One: San Nicola and Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Morano Calabro is distinguished by its unique two-level structure: the upper church, dedicated to the saint of the same name, dates back to 1450-1460 AD, while the lower church, dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, is of an earlier period. This double level reflects the complex history of the church, which has undergone modifications and expansions over the centuries.

The Upper Church: A Baroque Harmony

The upper church, with a single nave, features a baroque style, the result of late 18th-century renovations. Originally, the building likely had similarities with the contemporary Church of San Bernardino, as testified by the historian Antonio Salmena. The main ogival portal from that period remains, resembling the one of the Bernardino church.

Artistic Treasures Among the Naves

Among the artworks that adorn the upper church, notable is the “Madonna of Trapani,” a white alabaster marble statuette from the late 16th to early 17th century. The sculpture, inspired by the work of Nino Pisano, recalls other similar examples found in Calabria.

Also of considerable value is the painting “Madonna between Saint Lucia and Saint Catherine of Alexandria,” commissioned in 1598 by the University of Morano for the high altar. Created by Pedro Torres, a painter active in Naples between 1591 and 1603, this painting is a significant example of his artistic output.

Other important paintings include “The Circumcision” (4th altar on the right) and “The Trinity” (1580), both from the 16th century. The latter, attributed to Giovan Tommaso Conte, a follower of Negrone, was originally placed on the altar of the Congregation of the Trinity or the “Sacchi Rossi.”

The church’s wooden furnishings, of excellent local craftsmanship, include the Choir by A. Fusco from 1779 and the Confessional (to the left of the nave) and the Wall Niche of the Sacristy, both created by Giorgio Frunzi in 1795.

The Hypogean Sub-Church: A Journey Through Time

The hypogean sub-church, dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, predates the upper church, and its exact dating is uncertain. Until the late 19th century, the floor of the sub-church housed the tombs of the ancient Salmena baron family.

Among the artworks in the sub-church, the painting “Madonna of the Carmine between Saint Silvester and Saint Francis of Paola” (the first on the right of the sub-church) stands out. It is attributed to a painter with a Flemish-influenced style from the late 16th to early 17th century. Opposite this altar is the painting of the “Madonna of Good Counsel,” the protector of the Italo-Albanians, likely by a local 18th-century painter.

On the main altar, one can admire the evocative “Madonna delle Grazie,” also known as “the Candelora” (16th century), named after the eponymous Confraternity that was based in the sub-church.

A Heritage to Safeguard and Enhance

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Morano Calabro, with its two-level structure, rich history, and precious artworks, represents an invaluable heritage of the town. It is a place that invites reflection and discovery, where art, history, and devotion intertwine in a fascinating union. Its preservation through restoration efforts and cultural initiatives is essential to safeguard this treasure for future generations.

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