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Church of St Mary of the Assumption in Rocca di Papa: a troubled history and Giaquinto's masterpiece
In the heart of the Castelli Romani, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo in Rocca di Papa is more than a simple place of worship. Its history is a tale of tenacity: a centuries-long construction site, two devastating collapses, and reconstruction after the war. And yet, inside a treasure has remained intact: the magnificent Assumption by Corrado Giaquinto.
A history of collapses and rebirths
The original design by Antonio Del Grande dates from 1664. But building works came to an almost immediate halt. The church finally saw the light of day only in the following century. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1806, however, and collapsed entirely in 1814. The citizens wanted it rebuilt exactly where it had stood. It was inaugurated once again in 1845, but suffered further serious damage as a result of the bombardments of 1944.
The treasure of the Assumption and the German Pietà
Upon entering, the eye is drawn to the altarpiece by Corrado Giaquinto — an immense work nearly five metres tall that survived the collapse of 1814. It was commissioned in 1739 by Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni, a detail that reveals the importance of the work from its very beginning. Another remarkable piece is the sculptural group of the Pietà, created in the 19th century by German artist Theodor Wilhelm Achtermann, in a style that is unusual in a Roman context.
The church is located in Piazza del Duomo, and is usually open every day. We recommend checking opening hours online or on site.
