Santa Maria di Loreto

Santa Maria di Loreto is a Renaissance church in Rome built with a square base that transitions into an octagonal drum crowned by a ribbed dome. The structure features rounded openings in the dome that allow light to filter into the interior space.

Construction began in 1507 under architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, commissioned by a guild of bakers who funded the project as a votive church. The building evolved over decades as different architects contributed to its design.

The church holds a venerated image of Our Lady of Loreto framed in marble, reflecting its role as a sacred destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual connection. The five altars inside show how the space was designed to accommodate many worshippers at once.

The church sits next to Trajan's Column and opens daily for visitors to explore its architecture and interior artworks. The location is walkable from major sites in the Forum area, making it easy to visit alongside other historical landmarks.

The lantern added in 1573 by Jacopo del Duca introduced Mannerist style to the dome and was nicknamed the 'Cricket Cage' by local people. This later addition shows how the building continued to evolve as tastes and artistic movements changed.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1507

Architects: Antonio da Sangallo the Younger

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Address: piazza della Madonna di Loreto, 26 - Roma

Phone: +39066793564

GPS coordinates: 41.89597,12.48371

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56