San Rocco

San Rocco Agliano Terme Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: San Rocco’s Role in Agliano Terme

San Rocco in Agliano Terme, located in the heart of Italy’s Piedmont region, is an emblematic site where history, culture, and spirituality converge. Revered since the late Middle Ages as a protector against plagues, San Rocco’s legacy profoundly shapes the identity of this community. The site includes the historically significant Fonte San Rocco, a spring linked to healing traditions, and the early 20th-century San Rocco Church, which remains a vibrant center for religious and cultural life. The annual San Rocco Festival, held every August, showcases a blend of devotional ceremonies, local cuisine, music, and artisan crafts, embodying Piedmont’s enduring communal spirit.

This guide offers a detailed overview of San Rocco’s historical and cultural importance in Agliano Terme, practical visitor information on hours, tickets, accessibility, and travel tips, as well as insights into the festival and sustainable tourism practices. For updates and official details, consult resources such as the Comune di Agliano Terme, San Rocco Festival Official, and Visit LMR.

The Origins and Historical Significance of San Rocco
Visiting Fonte San Rocco and the San Rocco Chapel
San Rocco Festival and Community Events
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Practical Visitor Information
Pilgrimage, Religious Tourism, and Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact and Further Resources

The Origins and Historical Significance of San Rocco

San Rocco (Saint Roch), a 14th-century French saint, became a widely venerated figure in Italy during the late Middle Ages, especially as a protector against epidemics. The cult of San Rocco in Agliano Terme likely dates back to the 16th or 17th century, a time when plague outbreaks were frequent in northern Italy. The “Fonte San Rocco” (San Rocco Spring) is particularly emblematic, reflecting the intertwining of faith, health, and community support. The spring, and the elderly care facility “Residenza Fonti San Rocco,” highlight the enduring association between San Rocco and healing (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agliano_Terme; casadiriposopiu.it).

Visiting Fonte San Rocco and the San Rocco Chapel

What to Know

Agliano Terme does not currently have a large San Rocco church or chapel formally open as a tourist attraction. However, the Fonte San Rocco area, historically linked to healing, is freely accessible. This site, along with the broader San Rocco legacy in the region, invites visitors to explore the spiritual and communal dimensions of Agliano Terme.

Visiting Hours & Accessibility

Hours: The Fonte San Rocco area is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no entrance fees.
Accessibility: The area is generally accessible, but visitors with mobility concerns should contact the municipality for the most up-to-date information.

For guided visits or historical tours, reach out to the local tourist office. Neighboring towns in Piedmont often have San Rocco chapels worth exploring.

San Rocco Festival and Community Events

Annual Celebrations

The Feast of San Rocco, observed on August 16, is the centerpiece of local religious and cultural life. While specific festival details may vary, typical celebrations in Agliano Terme include:

Religious processions carrying the statue of San Rocco
Blessings of bread and water
Community meals and gatherings
Artisan markets and live music performances (wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Roch)

Check with the tourist office for current schedules and events during your visit.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights

San Rocco-related structures in Piedmont are noted for their modest, rural ecclesiastical design, often situated near springs with reputed healing powers. In Agliano Terme, the Fonte San Rocco area serves as a cultural touchstone. Visitors can also explore the town’s renowned thermal baths, historic parish churches, and picturesque vineyards (winedering.com).

The early 20th-century San Rocco Church reflects the community’s response to health crises and demonstrates the ongoing importance of faith in local life (Comune di Agliano Terme).

Practical Visitor Information

Entry: No tickets or fees are required for the Fonte San Rocco area or the San Rocco Church.
Guided Tours: Available during festivals or by arrangement with the tourist office.
Photography: Permitted, but visitors should be respectful during services or religious events.
Transport: Agliano Terme is accessible by train and bus; the nearest railway station is Montegrosso d’Asti (5 km away). Local shuttles and bike rentals are available during major events.
Amenities: Public restrooms and parking are available in the town center. A range of accommodations, from eco-friendly wine resorts to family-run B&Bs, are nearby (Hizvo).

Pilgrimage, Religious Tourism, and Sustainability

While San Rocco is not a major pilgrimage site, it is part of the broader Piedmontese devotional network and attracts visitors during feast days and religious heritage routes (TourismEmbassy). Agliano Terme’s inclusion in the UNESCO Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero region fosters sustainable tourism. Travelers are encouraged to use public transport, support local businesses, and respect environmental conservation efforts (Visit LMR; Fairbnb.coop Sustainable Tourism).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are San Rocco’s visiting hours in Agliano Terme?
A: The Fonte San Rocco area is open during daylight hours year-round; the San Rocco Church follows parish schedules.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, both the Fonte San Rocco area and the church are free to visit.

Q: Are there San Rocco festivals in Agliano Terme?
A: Yes, the Feast of San Rocco is celebrated on August 16; check with the tourist office for event details.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The area is generally accessible, but visitors should verify specifics with local authorities.

Q: How can I get to Agliano Terme?
A: By train (Montegrosso d’Asti station), bus, car, or bicycle. Shuttles are available during the festival.

Q: Where can I stay?
A: Options include eco-friendly resorts, local B&Bs, and hotels with sustainable practices.

Contact and Further Resources

Address: Piazza Roma 21, Agliano Terme (AT)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +39 0141 954023
Official Tourism Website: Visit LMR

Final Recommendations

San Rocco in Agliano Terme embodies the powerful intersection of faith, history, and community in Piedmont. Whether visiting the Fonte San Rocco, attending the vibrant August festival, or exploring the surrounding vineyards and historic sites, travelers are rewarded with an authentic and memorable experience. For the most current visiting hours, festival information, and travel updates, consult official resources and consider downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time event alerts.