Santa Maria del Priorato, Baroque church in Ripa district, Rome, Italy
Santa Maria del Priorato is a church on Aventine Hill featuring a neoclassical facade with four fluted pilasters and an oculus-topped entrance. The structure combines classical elements with detailed craftsmanship visible both outside and inside the building.
The church was established in 901 but underwent complete renovation in 1764 when Cardinal Giovanni Battista commissioned architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This redesign gave the building its present neoclassical appearance.
The interior contains symbols from Egyptian, Etruscan, and Roman traditions, reflecting the heritage of different ancient cultures. The spaces serve as a resting place for prominent Order of Malta members, showing the connection between sacred space and knightly tradition.
Visits require advance email permission from the Knights of Malta and are limited to groups between 10 and 25 people. Planning ahead and contacting the organization before visiting is necessary to ensure entry.
Through the keyhole of the Priory gate at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, visitors can see a perfectly aligned view of Saint Peter's Basilica. This hidden perspective is a popular trick among tourists and locals to capture an unusual photograph.
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