Architectural Complex of the Church of St. James the Greater and the Crypt of St. Margaret of Antioch

On top of the Morgia di Pietracatella stands the oldest faith complex in the area: the Church of St James the Apostle the Greater and the crypt of St Margaret of Antioch.

Of late antique origin, the first room on the lower level preserves the remains of an altar built on the rock, probable evidence of the pagan cult of Mithras. Next to it is the cryptwith an apse carved into the tuff and entirely frescoed in the first half of the 14th century. The frescoes narrated the Life and Passion of Christ; today only a few fragments remain in the large sacristy, including the scene of the Peter's denials and the polychrome fascia with geometric motifs that decorated the vault.

The church above was built in the first half of the 14th century and the only altar was consecrated on 16 May 1703 by Cardinal Vincenzo Maria Orsini. It was dedicated to St James, the Virgin Mary, St Anthony Abbot and St Gennaro.

The building, with its unusual layout, has a single nave with side rooms; the first two bays have cross vaults. Of note are the gothic capitals decorated with phytomorphic motifs and thestoup decorated with eight-petalled florals.