Chiesa di San Rocco

The Church of San Rocco is located in the homonymous square of Alessandria. It was built in the 12th century by the Order of the Humiliated and once dedicated to San Giovanni del Cappuccio. Following the suppression of the Order of the Humiliated, the convent and the Church of San Rocco were entrusted to other religious orders, which carried out important restoration work and partially modified the original style of the complex. Rebuilt in 1779, the building belongs to the mature Piedmont Baroque period. Especially interesting is the interior layout, now enhanced by recent restoration work, enriched by several paintings: a 17th century Saint Francis of Paola, a canvas by the painter Francesco Mensi from Alessandria, the Saints Barnaba and Rocco and the Prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, a Crucifixion by an unknown author of the 17th century. Magnificent high altar, in finely carved and gilded wood. In this 18th century jewel stands out the bell tower, of partly Romanesque and partly Gothic forms. The Confraternity of Saints Barnaba and Rocco took over the church in 1830 ensuring it would be dedicated to San Rocco following the demolition of a 17th century church built by municipal vote and then demolished. The first worldwide conflict saw the building transform into a forage warehouse, until 1924, when it became a parish church. Of particular importance is the pipe organ of Fratelli Lingiardi of 1854, which has been recently restored.