Santa Maria ai Monti, Baroque church in Monti district, Rome, Italy
Santa Maria ai Monti is a Baroque church in Rome's Monti district featuring a travertine facade with two tiers of Corinthian pilasters connected by decorative scrolls and a triangular gable. The exterior displays the hallmarks of Roman Baroque design with its symmetrical and ornamental arrangement.
The church was founded in 1580 under Pope Gregory XIII after workers discovered a fresco of the Virgin Mary with Saints Lawrence and Stephen within an abandoned convent during renovations. This discovery prompted the construction of a new sanctuary at the site.
The church contains ceiling frescoes depicting the Ascension and scenes from Mary's life, created by artists across the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These paintings define the interior and reflect the artistic visions of different eras.
The church is open daily to visitors and offers multiple mass services throughout the week at various times. Plan your visit outside these hours to explore the space without interruption.
A reminder of the discovery is an annual procession on April 26 when a replica of the original fresco is carried through neighborhood streets. This tradition connects modern residents with the founding story of the place.
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