Beata Vergine del Carmine e San Rocco, Gothic and Baroque church in Soragna, Italy

Beata Vergine del Carmine e San Rocco is a church in Soragna blending Gothic and Baroque styles, with a three-nave interior of white walls. Round arches support the space throughout, while polychrome marble decorations adorn nearly every surface, creating visual richness.

The convent was built in 1640 for the Carmelites at the wish of Marquis Diofebo III Meli Lupi, and the adjoining church was completed in 1661. In 1769 Duke Guillaume du Tillot suppressed the Carmelite orders, and in 1780 the complex became a girls' orphanage founded by the same marquis in 1677. From 1862 the Figlie della Croce ran it, followed by the Piccole Figlie until the orphanage closed in 1960. After the 2008 earthquake, the restored church reopened in March 2015.

The church is also known as the oratory of San Rocco, and its two side altars in stucco are dedicated to Saint Roch and to the Beata Vergine delle Grazie. The main altar holds a large statue of the Madonna del Carmine with the Child, flanked by angels, saints and the coats of arms of the Meli Lupi family.

The church is located at Viale Giuseppe Verdi 18, near Rocca Meli Lupi park, and welcomes visitors during religious services and cultural hours throughout the year. Check local opening times before your visit if you want to explore the interior artwork and decorations at your own pace.

The main altar sculpture was created by artist Alvise da Cà in 1707, displaying marble figures in Baroque detail. The church also holds five paintings from the 1700s and a wooden choir loft specifically designed to frame an organ built by a renowned builder.