CHURCH OF THE ROSARY
Welcome to one of the most evocative churches of Grumo Appula. Built in the late 1400s, it remains a silent testament to centuries of faith and hope. Originally dedicated to St. Mary of the Annunciation, its stone altar reminded the faithful of the presence of the Virgin Mary among them. The church’s destiny was changed by the course of history: after the victory of the Holy League at Lepanto, attributed to the Virgin’s protection, the church assumed the title of Santissimo Rosario (Holy Rosary), celebrating the power of prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary who had led the Christians against the Ottomans. In 1534, Don Cola Antonio Ricci erected the bell tower equipped with a bell which is still rung today. Inside the church three altars reflect centuries of art and devotion: the two stone side altars have an antique charm while the central marble altar is the fruit of more recent interventions.
Over the centuries the church has undergone various restoration work and has been enriched with decorations. Between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, tempera decorations were added. The simple and harmonious 19th century façade with its main door and windows entices passers-by to venture in. Inside, the church is divided into two main spaces, divided by an arch supporting the vault. The entrance area lies beneath a dome decorated with angelic figures while the presbytery preserves the painting “La Cacciata dal Paradiso Terrestre” (The Expulsion from Paradise). On the back wall is the 18th century effigy of Our Lady of the Rosary by Domenico Carella. A large gold-coloured wooden crown and fifteen oval paintings attributed to Gaetano Quercia narrate the mysteries of the rosary. Every year on the last Sunday of September, Grumo Appula gathers in prayer and devotion. The festival of the Holy Rosary transforms the church into the beating heart of the community, a vivid memories of centuries of history, art and faith. It is capable of uniting generations, protecting traditions and keeping hope alive in the hearts of the inhabitants of Grumo, testament to a spirituality which transcends time and continues to inspire.









