Church of San Rocco

The Church of San Rocco in San Donato Val di Comino, a small jewel of faith and history, has its roots in the distant past, testifying to the deep devotion of the local community. The first certain news about its existence dates back to 1639, when it is mentioned in the Pastoral Visit of Bishop Felice Tamburelli. This historical document allows us to place the church's presence in a period of religious fervor and expansion of the village.

In 1662, the Church of St. Roch took on an even more important role in local church life when Bishop Maurizio Piccardi decided to aggregate it as a simple benefice to the Chapter of the Ricettizia Church. This decision underscored the recognition of the church's spiritual and social value within the community.

Another valuable testimony on the history of the Church of San Rocco is provided to us by the Visit of Bishop Matteo Gagliani in 1698. On this occasion, the church is described as being located "outside the walls" of the village. This geographical location allows us to imagine the church as a place of welcome for wayfarers and pilgrims, a reference point for those who found themselves passing through San Donato Val di Comino.

However, weather and time did not spare the Church of St. Roch. By 1844, the building was in a state of serious disrepair, so much so that it was described as "almost ruined." It was archpriest Don Pietro Gramegna who took the fate of the church to heart, promoting a major restoration project. Thanks to his efforts, the ceiling and altar were rebuilt, restoring the church to its dignity and splendor.

Despite restoration efforts, the church's location below street level created problems of accessibility and visibility. To remedy this situation, the present Church of St. Roch was built in 1950, located at street level. This new construction, while keeping the memory of the original church alive, made the place of worship more easily accessible to worshippers and visitors.

The Church of San Rocco, in its dual role as a historic building and modern place of worship, represents an important landmark for the community of San Donato Val di Comino. Its history, made up of devotion, restoration and reconstruction, testifies to the tenacity and faith of the village's inhabitants, who have been able to preserve and hand down a heritage of great spiritual and cultural value.