Chiesa di San Vito Martire (Church of Saint Vitus the Martyr), Ostuni

The Church of Saint Vitus the Martyr is the only genuine rocaille-style building in the area, along with the nearby Carmelite cloistered convent. Built between 1752 and 1754 based on plans from Naples, it was consecrated in 1756 by Bishop Francesco Antonio Scoppa. To make room for this church, three buildings were demolished, including the residence of the noble Petrelli family and the old medieval church of Saint Vitus, which had been damaged by an earthquake in 1743. Earlier, in 1729, Bishop Cono Luchino da Verme had completed the construction of the Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi.

The church’s façade is slightly curved, showcasing several Rococo architectural elements. Its portal features angular piers topped by an entablature with decorative racemes, and above it, the coats of arms of Bishop Scoppa and the Carmelite order. A large window with ornate moldings is positioned directly above the portal. The curved and wavy lines typical of Rococo are evident in the tympanum, while two corner acroteria and a bell tower slightly set back to the left, along with a dome covered in colored majolica, complete the structure’s distinctive look. Inside, Rococo-style stone altars crafted in 1763 by sculptor Francesco Morgese highlight the detailed decorative work, particularly noticeable in each individual chapel.