San Domenico Church in Pietraperzia
The Church of San Domenico and the Madonna del Rosario, also known as the Church of the Rosary, is among the oldest sacred buildings in the country.
The date of construction of the church is not known but it is certain that its construction is prior to the sixteenth century. It was built at the behest of the Barresi family and was initially dedicated to the Madonna Annunziata. In 1521, at the behest of Matteo Barresi, the Convent of San Domenico was built adjacent to the church. The church was thus entrusted to the Dominican fathers and dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario.
The gabled façade is framed by Doric pilasters surmounted by an entablature and a slightly overhanging tympanum. There is a single portal surmounted by a pediment with the frieze of the Dominican order above which there is a rectangular window, now walled up. The color combination of the materials stands out: the yellow of the sandstone and the white of the limestone and plaster. The building is flanked by a stone and plaster bell tower inside which there is a narrow spiral staircase and where a Burgio bell from 1639 is kept.
The interior, in the shape of a Greek cross, has the main altar, in inlay polychrome marble from the 17th century, in the center and two in the lateral arms are the altars dedicated to the Crucifix and Our Lady of Sorrows.
Among the works kept inside the church of particular value are: the remains of 18th century majolica in the sacristy rooms ; three sandstone stoups; the alabaster square flooring;
The convent of the Dominican Fathers is today the seat of the Town Hall.
