Oratory of the Rosary of Santa Cita, Palermo
The Oratory of the Rosary of Santa Cita is a captivating example of Baroque art and architecture located in the Castellamare quarter of Palermo's historic center. This oratory, functioning as a chapel or prayer room, is famed for its exquisite interior, particularly the stucco tableaux created by Giacomo Serpotta between 1687 and 1718.
The site began as part of the Compagnia del Rosario, an offshoot of the Confraternity of San Domenico, established in 1570 by prominent or aristocratic members. Originally situated at a different location, the confraternity later moved near the church of Santa Cita, where the current oratory stands.
The exterior of the Oratory of Santa Cita is distinguished by stone accents around the windows and pilasters, and the entrance portal features a coat of arms with a tree emblem. Inside, anterooms display portraits of former directors of the confraternity, leading to the main hall where the two entrance doors are supported by stucco telamons. The side walls inside the oratory are lavishly decorated with floral motifs and playful, individualized putti, creating a vibrant and contemplative space.
The interior is most renowned for its panels depicting the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary, small theatrical tableaux designed for collective contemplation. At the heart of the oratory is the main altarpiece, a significant artwork by Carlo Maratta titled Madonna of the Rosary and Child with Dominican Saints, created in 1695 in Rome specifically for this location. This painting celebrates Marian veneration, purportedly instrumental in the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto-a theme also echoed in a large stucco panel by Serpotta situated above the altar.
Enhancing the theme of fortitude and loyalty are figures of the Old Testament female heroes Judith and Esther, positioned on either side of the arch framing the altarpiece. Their presence underscores the Marian devotion emphasized in the Madonna of the Rosary. Additionally, a nearby chapel houses Filippo Tancredi’s Adoration of the Mystical Lamb, further enriching the oratory's artistic heritage.
The site began as part of the Compagnia del Rosario, an offshoot of the Confraternity of San Domenico, established in 1570 by prominent or aristocratic members. Originally situated at a different location, the confraternity later moved near the church of Santa Cita, where the current oratory stands.
The exterior of the Oratory of Santa Cita is distinguished by stone accents around the windows and pilasters, and the entrance portal features a coat of arms with a tree emblem. Inside, anterooms display portraits of former directors of the confraternity, leading to the main hall where the two entrance doors are supported by stucco telamons. The side walls inside the oratory are lavishly decorated with floral motifs and playful, individualized putti, creating a vibrant and contemplative space.
The interior is most renowned for its panels depicting the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary, small theatrical tableaux designed for collective contemplation. At the heart of the oratory is the main altarpiece, a significant artwork by Carlo Maratta titled Madonna of the Rosary and Child with Dominican Saints, created in 1695 in Rome specifically for this location. This painting celebrates Marian veneration, purportedly instrumental in the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto-a theme also echoed in a large stucco panel by Serpotta situated above the altar.
Enhancing the theme of fortitude and loyalty are figures of the Old Testament female heroes Judith and Esther, positioned on either side of the arch framing the altarpiece. Their presence underscores the Marian devotion emphasized in the Madonna of the Rosary. Additionally, a nearby chapel houses Filippo Tancredi’s Adoration of the Mystical Lamb, further enriching the oratory's artistic heritage.
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Oratory of the Rosary of Santa Cita on Map
Sight Name: Oratory of the Rosary of Santa Cita
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Palermo, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Palermo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Palermo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Palermo Introduction Walking Tour
Around 8,000 BC, people called Sicani drew pictures in a cave outside Palermo. The scene shows a ritual sacrifice in the theatre. Was it a paleolithic foreshadowing of the temples, churches, and cathedrals to come?
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Palaces of Palermo
For centuries, Sicilian capital Palermo has been a focal point for the construction of noble dwellings and palaces. The latter were and still are a fine manifestation of the historical life in the region. They are a few hundred of them still in place, ranging chronologically from the medieval period to the first decades of the 20th century, and comprising an impressive collection of architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings
Religion has always played an important role in the lives of the Italians – and the Sicilians are no exception. Thus, it is little wonder that the main city of the island, Palermo, boasts a plethora of religious buildings. The collection of historical churches found here ranges from the Arab-Norman-Byzantine to the Medieval, Gothic, Baroque and the Renaissance.
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles