Church of Saints Sebastiano and Rocco, Perugia

The Church of Saints Sebastiano and Rocco, also known as the Parish Church of Santa Elisabetta, stands on San Sebastiano Street in Perugia as a testament to centuries of religious devotion and artistic craftsmanship. Originally constructed in the early 1500s, this quadrangular building was intended to safeguard the revered Madonna del Latte, a 15th-century painting believed to be miraculous, which still holds a place of honor above the altar.

The church's origins also earned it the name Madonna della Pace due to the inscription over its entrance: "Peace to those who enter and health to those who leave." Its exterior is adorned with exquisite majolica tiles, including depictions of Saint Sebastian and the Madonna and Child, created by the renowned La Salamandra factory. These tiles were affixed by Giuseppe Baduel, the factory owner, to celebrate the births of his children, Ugo and Fabrizia.

Inside, the church dazzles with frescoes by Pietro Montanini (1672), portraying scenes from the lives of Saints Sebastian and Rocco, along with a dramatic Last Judgment. Montanini's artistry also extends to a canvas of Saint Onuphrius, originally from the demolished church of Santa Elisabetta. The coffered ceiling and presbytery paintings, masterfully executed by Giovanni Francesco Bassotti, date back to the 17th century, further enriching the interior's Baroque splendor.

Recent restorations revealed previously hidden 16th-18th century frescoes featuring naturalistic landscapes, now visible in the intrados of a niche, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a harmonious blend of art and nature.

The Church of Saints Sebastiano and Rocco is a remarkable blend of history, spirituality, and artistic achievement, making it a significant yet understated treasure in Perugia's religious heritage.