Santi Giovanni Evangelista e Petronio, Catholic church in Regola district, Rome, Italy
Santi Giovanni Evangelista e Petronio is a church located on Via del Mascherone in Rome's Regola district, near Palazzo Farnese. The building displays architectural elements from its 16th century renovation and features a traditional church layout with side chapels and a decorated ceiling.
Pope Gregory XIII designated this church in 1581 as the national place of worship for Bologna's community in Rome, commissioning architect Ottaviano Mascherino to redesign it. The project became the spiritual center for Emilia-Romagna residents living in the city.
The church contains numerous artworks by Bolognese artists, including Francesco Gessi's painting depicting the Transit of Saint Joseph.
The church sits on a narrow street in Rome's historic center within a quiet neighborhood of Renaissance palaces. Visitors should note that access depends on standard church opening hours and the interior is most accessible during morning and early afternoon hours.
The original main altarpiece by Domenichino showing the Virgin with Saints John and Petronius was removed from this church and now hangs in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica. This absence reflects how important works departed from their original religious spaces to become part of Rome's major art collections.
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