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Chiesa di San Rocco: A Testament to Pitigliano's Past

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Explore Pitigliano's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Rocco, a captivating blend of history and Renaissance architecture.

The Chiesa di San Rocco, also known as Chiesa di Santa Maria, is believed to be the oldest church in Pitigliano, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. Rebuilt in the late 15th century, it showcases a blend of architectural styles and a rich history, making it a captivating site to visit.

A brief summary to Chiesa di San Rocco

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chiesa di San Rocco.

  • Take time to admire the exterior details, including the Corinthian pilasters and the remaining architrave from the medieval structure.
  • Step inside to view the faded coats of arms of prominent families and the unique trapezoidal shape of the interior.
  • Look for the external sculpture depicting a human figure with hands in the mouths of two winged dragons, symbolizing the struggle against evil forces.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza della Repubblica, walk along Via Roma towards the old town. Continue onto Via Generale Orsini. The Chiesa di San Rocco is located at the intersection of Via Generale Orsini and Via Zuccarelli, approximately a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the bus terminal outside the city walls, take any bus heading towards the city center. Get off at the stop closest to Piazza della Repubblica. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus fare costs around €1-€2. Walking from Piazza della Repubblica to Chiesa di San Rocco takes approximately 5 minutes.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available outside the historical center. Paid parking is available in Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza della Repubblica, Via Santa Chiara, and Piazza del Mercato. Hourly rates range from €1 to €1.50. From the parking area, walk towards Via Generale Orsini. The Chiesa di San Rocco is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from most parking locations.

Discover more about Chiesa di San Rocco

The Chiesa di San Rocco, or Santa Maria, stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark in Pitigliano. Historians believe it to be the oldest church in Pitigliano, with origins tracing back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The church was later rebuilt in the late 1400s under the commission of Count Niccolò III Orsini, with Giovanni da Traù, also known as the Dalmatian, as the architect, resulting in a blend of architectural styles.The exterior of the church features a late-Renaissance facade adorned with four Corinthian pilasters and a white marble portal. The left side of the church retains an architrave from the original medieval structure. Inside, the church has a trapezoidal shape with three naves divided by Ionic columns. Visitors can admire faded coats of arms belonging to families who governed Pitigliano, including the Medici family. The apse displays paintings depicting the Assumption of the Madonna among the Apostles.Once the most important church in Pitigliano, the Chiesa di San Rocco lost prominence after the town's cathedral was completed. However, its charm lies in its marble exterior and frescoes, offering a glimpse into Pitigliano's rich religious and artistic heritage.

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