Rotary internal combustion engine with cooled insert

A rotary internal combustion engine (10) has an insert opening (36) defined in a hot area of one of the walls (18) of the stator body (12) and in communication with its internal cavity (20). At least one groove (58) is defined within the opening (36) around a perimeter thereof. At least one coolant inlet channel (88) is defined therein in communication with each groove (58), and at least one coolant outlet channel (90) is defined therein in communication with each groove (58). A cooling jacket (50) lines the insert opening (36), the cooling jacket (50) cooperating with each groove (58) to define a cooling gallery (62) around the insert opening (36). An insert (34) is sealingly received in the cooling jacket (50), the insert (34) being made of a material having a greater heat resistance than that of the wall (18).