Santuario di Santa Maria Occorrevole, Piedimonte Matese

The Sanctuary was built in the 15th century, at an altitude of 546 meters, on the site where, according to tradition, during Lent 1437, a shepherd found a sheep kneeling before an image of the Madonna. The convent complex, rebuilt in the 18th century, includes an 18th-century bell tower of dark stone that stands alone, designed to extend the sound of the great bell throughout the valley. The Sanctuary has a three-nave plan and an apse rebuilt in the 18th century, replacing the original one. It features 15th-century frescoes by an unknown Campanian painter depicting eight sacred figures: St. Philip, St. Helena, Our Lady of Grace, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Mary Magdalene, Our Lady of the Lily, St. James the Less, and Our Lady of the Pomegranate, with the image of St. Mary the Necessary at the center. It is certainly one of the most evocative spiritual places in the Matese area and in the whole of Campania. An oasis of peace, silence, and serenity, it offers visitors the thrill of a mystical atmosphere, with a wonderful view of the Volturno Valley.