Church of San Rocco

Once the most important church in Pitigliano, the Chiesa di San Rocco, then known as the Chiesa di Santa Maria, fell out of favor when the town’s cathedral was finished.

However, this church has its own charm which comes from its incredible crafted marble exterior and unique frescoes.

Historians are convinced that San Rocco is the oldest church in Pitigliano, dating back to a period between the 12th and 13th centuries.

It was then rebuilt by the famous architect known as Giovanni da Traù the Dalmatian at the behest of Niccolò III Orsini at the end of the 15th century, and many of the finest architectural elements were modified to adapt to the style of the time.

The facade is now best described as late Renaissance, decorated in the lower part by four Corinthian pilasters and a portal.

On the left side of the church is the only remaining original piece of the building: a preserved architrave from the previous medieval structure.

The interior has a trapezoidal shape with three naves, divided by Ionic columns, but it is precisely the pink exterior that tourists have learned to love about this church!

Inside you can see some beautiful coats of arms, although a little faded (above), all belonging to the different families that governed Pitigliano.

The larger one at the bottom belongs to none other than the Medici.