oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita

This Confraternity or Compagnia del Rosario was founded in 1570 by a group of prominent or aristocratic members deriving from the Confraternity of San Domenico, with the distinct Oratory of the Rosary of San Domenico. After location at another site in town, they moved to this site near the church of Santa Cita.
The exterior of the oratory has stone accents for windows and pilasters. The entry portal has a coat of arms with an apparent tree. Anterooms to the main oratory hall have portraits of the former directors of the confraternity. The two entrance doors to the main hall are flanked by stucco telamons. The side walls are rich in decorations with floral elements and playful and individualized sets of putti. Panels depict small theatrical tableaux intended for contemplation collectively known as the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary, which are comprised by the

Joyful Mysteries: 1) Annunciation; 2) Visitation; 3) Nativity; 4) Presentation of Jesus at the Temple; and 5) Jesus at the Temple.
Luminous Mysteries: 1) Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; 2) Wedding at Cana; 3) Sermon proclaiming Kingdom of God; 4) Transfiguration; and 5) Institution of the Eucharist.
Sorrowful Mysteries: 1) Jesus in the Garden of Gesthemane; 2) Scourging at the Pillar; 3) Crowning with Thorns; 4) Carrying of the Cross; and 5) Crucifixion.
The main altarpiece depicts a Madonna of the Rosary and Child with Dominican Saints (1695) painted in Rome for this oratory by Carlo Maratta. The painting cost 1500 scudi. This Marian veneration, depicted in the clouds above the battle, is claimed to have aided the Christian naval forces during the Battle of Lepanto. This battle is depicted in a large stucco panel by Serpotta above the altar. Flanking the arch framing the altarpiece are two Old Testament female…