Ruderi dell'Abbazia di S. Maria delle Grazie

The ruins of the Abbey of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Graces) belong to an ancient religious complex located in Domicella, in Borgo Badia.

Built around the year 1000, the first documents concerning the Church date back to 1087, when it was ceded by the princes of Capua Giordano and Riccardo to the Benedictine monastery of Aversa. Following a violent earthquake in the 17th century that destroyed it, the Abbey was built and suppressed by Joachim Murat in 1813. Neglect and the gradual passage of time have deteriorated the site, which has recently undergone restoration work to recover the few remains of the monastery complex that are still visible.

Situated a few metres from the centre of Domicella, the Abbey has a typical 18th-century style and currently preserves part of the perimeter walls of the old building, with original stucco work. A pincer staircase leads to the main entrance of the Abbey, whose façade features a splendid ancient stone portal. From the reading of some verses by the poet Giovanni Francesco Anisio (1465-1540), it appears that the Abbey contained a baptismal font and the main altar with a fresco of the Madonna behind it and that it had several chapels, as well as a bell tower detached from the sacred building. 

Although the site has lost its original appearance, it is still a cultural and historical symbol dear to the local community.