Guardian of the tomb of Niccolò Dondi
Like the entire city of Sabbioneta, the Oratory of San Rocco, located in the square of the same name next to Piazza Ducale, dates back to the mid-sixteenth century.
During the seventeenth century it underwent some structural modifications which gave it its current appearance.
The oratory houses the tomb of Niccolò de Dondi, Duke Vespasiano's biographer and an exceptional chronicler. Furthermore, in 1559, the body of Diana Cardona, Vespasiano Gonzaga Colonna's first wife, was buried here.
Interestingly, until the end of the 16th century, the Disciplini confraternity, dedicated to penance and charity, was based here. It was a very influential presence in Sabbioneta, so much so that it obtained from Vespasiano Gonzaga the release of a man condemned to death every Good Friday.
Art Gallery of San Luca
Inside the oratory is the Pinacoteca di San Luca, a substantial collection of important paintings. Alongside the ancient altarpieces, you can also admire a section of modern art.
Worth noting within the painting gallery are the 11 roundels with the Mysteries of the Rosary, coming from the church of the Assumption, and the altarpiece with the Martyrdom of Saint Vincent.
