San Rocco Church

San Rocco is a baroque church in central Lugano with a single nave covered by a barrel vault. An octagonal dome rises above the altar area, while the facade received its neo-baroque design during a 1910 renovation.

The church was built in 1528 following a vow made by Lugano residents during a plague outbreak, replacing an earlier structure dedicated to Saint Blaise dating to 1349. Later modifications including baroque redesigns and the early 1900s facade overhaul reflect the building's evolving architectural story.

The church is dedicated to Saint Roch, a saint invoked for protection against plague who holds special meaning in Lugano's devotional life. Visitors encounter painted scenes in the dome that tell stories of saints important to the local faith tradition.

The church sits on Via Canova near Piazza San Rocco in the city center, making it easy to reach on foot from nearby areas. Visitors should know that access follows the church's religious schedule, so checking opening hours before your visit helps ensure you can enter.

The 1905 organ by Giuseppe Vedani sits on a wooden choir gallery and represents fine craftsmanship of its era. This instrument was built with two keyboards and a pedalboard that allowed musicians to create layered sounds during worship services.

Location: Lugano

Inception: 1528

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Part of: list of cultural properties in Lugano

Address: Piazzetta San Rocco 1, 6900 Lugano

Website: https://oratoriolugano.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.00458,8.95384

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:26