From 4 September 2018 to 5 May 2019, the Royal Palace of Palermo hosted the exhibition Rosalia eris in peste patrona, dedicated to the cult of Saint Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo. Curated to explore the historical, religious, and artistic relevance of the saint, the exhibition featured masterpieces by Anthony van Dyck, Pietro Novelli, and Mattia Preti, along with documents and artefacts from international collections. The exhibition traced the development of Rosalia’s veneration, particularly her role during the plague and her enduring presence in Sicilian identity. Through paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and liturgical objects, the exhibition offered a comprehensive view of how faith, art, and devotion intersect in the cult of Saint Rosalia, celebrating her as a symbol of protection and cultural heritage across centuries.
