Santuario di San Rocco di Lioni

The Sanctuary of San Rocco (Saint Roch) in Lioni is located in the square named after the Sanctuary, at the junction with Via Serro di Morra, on the left-hand side of the Church.

It stands on the ruins of a primitive early church dating back to the 16th century and dedicated to Mary of Mount Carmel. Even today, the Sanctuary still retains some of the features of the previous structure, such as the stone portal dating from 1785 and the 19th-century colonnade. After it was destroyed in the earthquake of 29 November 1732, the Church of the Madonna del Carmine was rebuilt and extended a few years later. The construction was left untouched until the earthquake of 23 November 1980, after which it was razed to the ground and replaced by what is now the complex dedicated to the patron saint. It includes the convent of the Franciscan Friars Minor, and an extension for the diocesan sanctuary in 1997.

Designed by the architect Giovanni Muzio (1893-1982), the Church was initially intended to resemble the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth (Palestine), also designed by Muzio. Although the final construction does not fully achieve the original intention, the Sanctuary is still very distinctive and striking due to its solemn aspect. Inside, visitors can admire the wooden statue of Saint Roch, the work of 18th-century sculptor Pietro Nittoli, and the sixteen stations of the Via Crucis, by the artist Vito Zaza from Puglia.

A symbol of the rebirth of the local community, the Sanctuary of San Rocco towers over the vast square of the town centre.