Santa Croce e San Bonaventura alla Pilotta, Baroque church near Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Santa Croce e San Bonaventura alla Pilotta is a Baroque church in Rome featuring a single nave with three side chapels on each side and colorful marble decorations throughout the interior. The ornamental marble work creates a richly decorated space that guides the eye through the different areas of the church.
The church was built in 1695 on the site of the medieval San Nicola de Portiis church, designed by architect Mattia de Rossi. This construction marked a transition from the older medieval sanctuary to a new Baroque structure on this historically important site.
The church serves as the national sanctuary for people from Lucca living in Rome, keeping their regional identity alive. You can observe how this community gathers here to maintain their spiritual traditions.
The church is located between the Trevi Fountain and the Pontifical Gregorian University, making it easy to find on foot. Since it remains active as a parish church of the Diocese of Rome, visitors should respect any ongoing services and check opening times before visiting.
The vault displays four frescoes from the 1670s depicting Emperor Heraclius returning the True Cross to Jerusalem. These elaborate wall paintings tell a religious story of great symbolic meaning for visitors who take time to study the details.
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