Cent. 16th

There is an ancient tale within the walls of the former Capuchin monastery in Palo del Colle. The monks arrived in the town at the end of the 16^th century and spread the spirit of St. Francis: poverty, humility and obedience. In 1594, with the funds of the Roman priest Don Vitantonio Attoma and with the consent of the religious authorities and the town’s Lord, the first stone was laid for the construction of the monastery. The town council of Palo began to pay an annual subsidy that year, and the congregations of the churches of the Holy Sacrament and Purgatory also lent their support to the religious and educational activities of the Capuchin monks. The church was built next to the monastery with a central nave and a side nave with communicating chapels, barrel vaults and rib vaults in the capuchin style. On the façade, to which a portico was later added, are reliefs depicting the Virgin Mary with Child between St. Francis and St. Clare. Behind the façade stands a small bell tower with broad single-mullioned windows on four sides and a pyramidal spire. In the second half of the 18^th century, the interior was enhanced with altars, paintings and stucco decorations.