Madonna del Rosario

Madonna del Rosario is a church building in Rome featuring an elliptical interior with a central dome positioned above the high altar. Two side chapels flank the main space, and the structure shares the site with a Dominican convent located on Monte Mario.

Giovanni Vittorio de Rossi founded the church in 1628 on his vineyard property at the summit of Monte Mario. The location later became home to a functioning convent that has remained active over the centuries.

The church is dedicated to the rosary, a central focus of Dominican spiritual practice that shapes how people experience the space. The religious artwork on display reflects the daily devotional life of the nuns who still serve here.

Entry to the church involves climbing a double flight of stairs that leads to the main entrance, creating a notable approach to the building. The location on Monte Mario hill is somewhat elevated and removed from central Rome, so arriving by car or planning adequate travel time helps.

The convent houses the left hand of Saint Catherine of Siena, a religious relic that surprises many visitors unfamiliar with such treasures. On display is also a self-portrait by Dominican nun Anna Vittoria Dolara, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic life of a woman in religious orders from that era.