St Dominic Church

18th century 

In the 18th century, Archbishop Alvarez, a Spanish Dominican theologian, recommended the construction of St Dominic's Church. Erected in 1763, it stands on the remains of the 13th century church of St Cross. Of the latter, the bell tower and a chapel remain, now integrated into the adjacent former convent, known to have been among the first Dominican convents in Apulia, founded by Blessed Nicola Paglia. Numerous noble family tombs attest to its historical and social importance. Several works of art are present: the 1558 panel depicting the Our Lady of the Rosary, Giambattista Calò's 18th century Adoration of the Shepherds, and “La Pietà”, a 1521 sculpture by Paolo Catalano, commissioned by the De Angelis family. The copy, in permanent display, of the Holy Shroud is remarkable. In 1966, the building was elevated to the status of Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Area map

Legend