Oratorio del Rosario

The Oratory del Rosario, in Palermo

The Oratory del Rosario is a little baroque jewel hidden near the San Domenico Church, famous for its dazzling stuccoes. The Palermo audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this jewel of Sicilian sacred art, masterpiece of the great stucco master Giacomo Serpotta.

The masterpiece of the stuccoes of Serpotta

Just next to the San Domenico Church hides a little baroque jewel: the Oratorio del Rosario, or Oratory of the Rosary. An oratory is a place of prayer, often reserved for a religious brotherhood, and this one, of modest dimensions, holds one of the most extraordinary decors of Palermo. The interior is entirely adorned with white stuccoes of a dazzling finesse and virtuosity, work of the brilliant sculptor Giacomo Serpotta, the greatest Sicilian stucco master, who worked here at the end of the seventeenth and the beginning of the eighteenth century. With an unheard-of skill, the artist modelled in the stucco a profusion of allegorical statues, mischievous cherubs, garlands, draperies and scenes in relief of an astonishing realism and grace, playing with the light and the movement. The oratory also shelters a magnificent altarpiece painted by a Flemish master. This intimate and precious place is one of the summits of Sicilian baroque art, long unknown to the visitors. A baroque jewel and a masterpiece of the stuccoes, the Oratory del Rosario is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the little baroque oratory hidden near the San Domenico Church, entirely adorned with white stuccoes of a dazzling finesse, work of the brilliant Giacomo Serpotta, the greatest Sicilian stucco master, who modelled a profusion of allegorical statues, cherubs and scenes in relief of an astonishing grace, around an altarpiece by a Flemish master. The Oratory del Rosario is a summit of Sicilian baroque art. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Oratory del Rosario lies next to the San Domenico Church, in the historic centre of Palermo, reachable on foot. The visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the place of prayer.

Why is the Oratory del Rosario of Palermo remarkable?

Because it holds one of the most extraordinary decors of Palermo: entirely adorned with white stuccoes of a dazzling finesse, work of the brilliant Giacomo Serpotta, the greatest Sicilian stucco master, it deploys a profusion of allegorical statues, cherubs and scenes in relief of an astonishing grace, around an altarpiece by a Flemish master.

Where is the Oratory del Rosario in Palermo?

Next to the San Domenico Church, in the historic centre of Palermo, in Italy.