The Chiesa del Rosario - The Church of the Rosary - is situated next to the old municipal building where formerly there was a school and law courts. The latter is currently undergoing restoration as can be seen from the scaffolding at the left of the picture below.

The church was originally built in 1205 by bishop Roberto and dedicated to the Archangel Michael. In 1465 it was  taken by the Dominican Order and merged with the its neighbour, a hospital dedicated to the Holy Angel, into a Dominican convent. The church was rededicated to Saint Dominic. When the friars left in 1809, its custody was entrusted to the Archconfraternity of the Holy Rosary with which it is still associated today.

 

The interior of the church is awaiting restoration.  As it stands it shows a mixture of styles.  Currently the wall behind the tabernacle has a curtain in front of it.  This conceals not one, but two walls.  The older wall has a worn stone altar.  The newer wall has little alcoves where statues can be placed.

 

As is the case with so many churches, the Chiesa del Rosario is arranged as a cruciform.  The transept is clearly visible here.  The arches are gothic in origin, giving an idea of the extreme old age of this church.

 

A portico to the North of the altar, that is to the far left of the photo above, contains this nineteenth century statue of Saint Philomena (Santa Filomena). In keeping with tradition of this saint, she is pictured holding a ship's anchor. Her feast day is September 9th.

This statue is the Addolorata.  It signifies the prophecy of Simeon, that Mary would feel a sword pierce her heart in sorrow for her son Jesus. The occasion of this prophecy, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, is the fourth joyous mystery of the Rosary. The feast of the presentation is known as Candlemas and is celebrated on February 2nd.

The Dominicans may have left two hundred years ago but this painting of Saint Dominic with Madonna and Saints, occupies pride of place in the South transept.  The founder of the Rosary, Saint Dominic, can be seen wearing the black and white habit of the Dominican Order.  He is holding a bunch of lilies and a bible.  His feast day is August 8th.

The North transept, seen to the mid-left of the picture above, houses this statue of Saint Vincent Ferrer.  Another Dominican saint, he was known to have travelled very widely.   He is sometimes pictured as having wings. His feast day is 5th April.

The South transept, as seen to the centre right of the photo above, contains this statue of Saint Laurence.  A third century Christian saint of Rome, he is pictured holding a grid iron.  This recognised his martyrdom through being grilled to death. Today he is the official patron saint of chefs and barbeques.  It was said that at his death he invited his executioners to turn him over. His feast day is August 10th.

This is the statue of the Madonna of the Rosary. It is carved from Arolla Pine wood and hand painted. During October, the month of the Rosary, it is taken out in procession. The feast day of Blessed Virgin of the Rosary is 7th October, the most important date for this church and the Archconfraternity.

 

This painting shows Saint Peter of Verona.  He was one of the first Dominicans and a personally knew Saint Dominic. He was martyred by having an axe thrust into his head.  Whilst dying, he used his own blood to write "Credo in Unum Deum" on the ground - "I believe in One God". His feast day is April 29th.

 

The Bovino branch of the Archconfraternity of the Rosary regularly takes part in processions.  Custodians of the Chiesa del Rosario, its members are expected to pray the entire Rosary at least once each week.

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