The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the last years of the 16th century. At this time, a confraternity dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary was established within the convent church, which obtained its own chapel. The altar of this chapel, in 1615, was adorned with a wooden statue of the Virgin, made by an artist from Parma whose name is unknown. This depiction of Our Lady, dressed in richly decorated clothing, became a symbol of devotion for the faithful.
In 1628, the first miracle associated with Our Lady of Fontanellato was recorded, an event that helped increase veneration of her. The plague that struck the region in 1630, although only marginally affecting the village of Fontanellato, further increased the thaumaturgical reputation of Our Lady of the Rosary, consolidating her importance in the spiritual life of the community.
Strong popular devotion, fueled by numerous miracles attributed to the Virgin of the Rosary, led the Dominican friars to undertake, starting in 1641, the construction of a new church, located outside the village. This new structure, designed to be larger and richer, was to accommodate the many faithful who came on pilgrimage. The baroque church, completed thanks to funds mainly from the Sanvitale family, was solemnly consecrated on August 18, 1660, in the presence of the bishop of Fidenza, Alessandro Pallavicino.
The architectural design of the church includes a Latin cross plan, with a single nave flanked by four chapels on each side, to which are added a transept and a small choir. The visually striking facade is neo-Baroque in style and made entirely of white marble. It features a wide portico supported by four pillars, enriched by pilasters, as well as columns with bronze Ionic capitals and Tuscan half-columns. The elegant upper balustrade, adorned with small columns, supports four statues of saints.
The outermost sculptures, depicting St. Ludovico Bertrando and St. Rosa da Lima, come from the original facade, as do the statues of St. Dominic and St. Joseph, placed in the side niches. The facade is notable for its height and intricate decoration, with four Corinthian half-columns supporting an elaborate architrave. Three niches, adorned with cornices and gables, house statues, including the central one dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. Finally, the richly decorated central circular pediment is surmounted by statues representing Hope, Charity and, in the center, Faith, giving the sanctuary a majestic and solemn appearance.