Description
On the top of Macugnano hill there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This church, built on a previous structure, is called Saint Mary of the Rotunda (Santa Maria della Rotonda).
According to tradition, it was once a pagan temple dedicated to Diana, the hunting goddess. During the Romanticism period it was again re-built with a central floor plan, like ancient Cristian baptisteries (hence its name). The monks used it as their priorate until 1600, when they left because of the plague. In 1585, the country church of St. Mary of the Rotunda was a simple rounded-shaped chapel with a decadent structure.
At the end of the 18th century, Father Giovanni Gallinatti, helped by some volunteers, restored the church, which had by then fallen into ruin: the remains of the cloister were demolished and the chaplain´s house was built. Since 1929, it has been entrusted to the Dominicans Fathers.
Today, it is still owned by the Dominican Fathers and houses a community for adults in recovery. The interior has its original structure. The icon on the main altar represents Our Lady of Sorrows, however due to several restorations its original completion date is unknown.Rotunda
The fa?ade has a large entrance door framed by four pillars, surmounted by a rounded arch. The Romanesque steeple, with hanging arches, stands in the middle of the roof and it is the only part left of the original building. On the right side of the church, there´s another steeple, characterized by a rounded base and furnished with a bell. It dates back to the end of the 18th century.
According to tradition, it was once a pagan temple dedicated to Diana, the hunting goddess. During the Romanticism period it was again re-built with a central floor plan, like ancient Cristian baptisteries (hence its name). The monks used it as their priorate until 1600, when they left because of the plague. In 1585, the country church of St. Mary of the Rotunda was a simple rounded-shaped chapel with a decadent structure.
At the end of the 18th century, Father Giovanni Gallinatti, helped by some volunteers, restored the church, which had by then fallen into ruin: the remains of the cloister were demolished and the chaplain´s house was built. Since 1929, it has been entrusted to the Dominicans Fathers.
Today, it is still owned by the Dominican Fathers and houses a community for adults in recovery. The interior has its original structure. The icon on the main altar represents Our Lady of Sorrows, however due to several restorations its original completion date is unknown.Rotunda
The fa?ade has a large entrance door framed by four pillars, surmounted by a rounded arch. The Romanesque steeple, with hanging arches, stands in the middle of the roof and it is the only part left of the original building. On the right side of the church, there´s another steeple, characterized by a rounded base and furnished with a bell. It dates back to the end of the 18th century.
Indirizzo e punti di contatto
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Address | Frazione Santa Maria |
Map
Indirizzo: Via per S. Maria, 7, 10011 Madonna delle Grazie TO
Coordinate: 45°22'49,1''N 7°46'23,5''E
Indicazioni stradali (Opens in new tab)