Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Renaissance church in Milazzo, Italy

Our Lady of the Rosary Church is a Renaissance-style place of worship in Milazzo featuring balanced proportions and intricate stonework across its exterior and interior spaces. The building displays arcade elements, multiple windows, and a structured facade that follows the design principles of that era.

Construction began in 1538 on the site of the 15th-century church of San Leonardo, promoted by Giovanni Macrì and directed by the Dominican architect Antonio Frini, funded by the city and the royal patrimony. Work lasted until 1580, with embellishments continuing into the 1630s, and in 1589 the convent was raised to a priory. In the 18th century the facade openings were altered, in 1705 and 1790, and stucco decoration was added in 1787.

The church is still the parish of Nostra Signora del Santo Rosario, cared for by the Capuchin Fathers since 1968 and now back with the Diocese of Messina. On the triumphal arch a stucco dog with a torch in its mouth carries the motto "Domini Canes", a wordplay on the Dominicans. The blue-and-gold wooden altar frontal bears the coat of arms of the Cumbo family.

The building remains open for regular services and visits, accessible from the central area of Milazzo. Before visiting, check the opening hours in advance since access may be restricted during worship services.

Recent restoration work uncovered a large tank from the late Roman era, likely used to store foodstuffs, beneath the church. It is now protected by a glass cover and displayed by the archaeological section of the Messina Superintendency. This find shows that the site was occupied long before the medieval walled city.