The Church of San Rocco in Picinisco: A Treasure in the Heart of the Village
Located in the central Ernesto Capocci Square, in the beating heart of the historic centre of Picinisco, the Church of San Rocco is a sacred building that combines centuries of history and resilience. With its characteristic dimensions (22 metres long by 6 metres wide), the church dominates the social and religious life of the village.
Architecture and Art Treasures
The interior of the church is a treasure trove of devotion and sacred art, enriched by five monumental altars. Among the main dedications are Our Lady of Grace, St Joseph and St Charles.
The centrepiece of the building is the’altar of San Rocco, centrally located and embellished by:
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Cedar statues: Carved works in the Romanesque style depicting the Saint.
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Fine paintings: A canvas depicting Saint Anthony Abbot and one dedicated to St Charles dated 1717.
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The Wooden Crucifix: A historical work dating back to 1782, a symbol of 18th century craftsmanship.
The Historical Evolution: From San Carlo to San Rocco
The history of the religious site is stratified. Evidence indicates that:
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Before 1533: There was already a smaller (12×8 metres) place of worship (originally dedicated to St Charles and later to Our Lady of Grace).
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The name change: Only in the 1820, Following a radical renovation, the structure officially and definitively took on the name of Church of San Rocco.
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The Bell Tower: The bell tower was erected in 1783 and later enlarged in 1948. The bell we hear today in the lanes of Picinisco is the original one purchased in 1904.
Rebirth after the Earthquake
The church is a symbol of rebirth for the Comino Valley. Severely damaged by the earthquakes of 7 and 11 May 1984 (which had its epicentre in nearby San Donato Val di Comino), the structure remained uninhabitable for more than 20 years.
Thanks to meticulous architectural restoration work, the Church of San Rocco was returned to the community and officially reopened for worship on 29 June 2006, once again becoming the spiritual landmark of Piazza Capocci.
