The origins of this church are preserved in the Latin epigraph announcing its date of consecration as 1614. Over the four hundred subsequent years the building has been embellished by valuable paintings from the Bergamasque school and by the works of the Fantoni, master-carvers from the Val Seriana area, although the most curious object remains the statue of the patron saint, located by looking up at the bell tower.
The most unusual particular of this parish church dedicated to San Rocco (Saint Roch) is not found inside, but at the top of the bell tower, where the patron saint revolves according to the direction of the winds that blow through the narrow Val Camonica.
Inside the church there are important works by Palma Il Giovane and his pupil Domenico Carpinoni. Both painters grew up artistically in the lively cultural environment of 16th century Venice.
The sacred furnishings and intarsia are the work of the Fantoni, on the other hand. This was a celebrated family of sculptors and carvers from the Val Seriana who also created the main altar and splendid confessional at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, as well as having sculpted marbles for the main churches of the Val Seriana and Val Gandino.
Each year on the third Sunday in July the statue of the “Signurù” – the Great Lord in local dialect – is carried in a procession through the village to the church of San Rocco.
DETAILS OF INTEREST:
– the altarpieces by Carpinoni and Palma Il Giovane (16th – 17th century)
VISIT INFORMATION:
– The church is only open to the public by advance booking, during religious services, or during scheduled openings publicised by the Town Hall of Bianzano;
– It is also possible to book group visits for at least 10 people at times other than those publicised;
– Duration of the visit: around 25 minutes;
– Parking is available.
Promotional material provided by the Associazione culturale e turistica Pro Bianzano.
