
THE BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DEL POPOLO
Amongst the oldest parishes in Rome, it represents a splendid
example of Renaissance architecture, an undiscovered treasure...
The church of Santa Maria del Popolo is located at the north of the homonymous square, adjacent to the ancient Porta Flaminia. It is a church rich in history and masterpieces: according to tradition in this outlying almost deserted area rose the tomb of the Domitii family where Emperor Nero was buried. The place was made even more solemn by the legendary presence of a walnut tree ... Pope Paschal II commissioned the construction of a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin in 1099, perhaps to celebrate the liberation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, in the place of the ancient tomb of the Emperor. The church has some incredible masterpieces: the Nativity by Pinturicchio, the statues of Daniel and the lion and Habakkuk and the Angel of Bernini, the Crucifixion of St. Peter and the Conversion of St Paul both by Caravaggio. But there are many more works still to be admired!) READ MORE >