Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano, Baroque church near Trajan's Forum, Rome, Italy
Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano is a baroque church that rises about 30 meters high with an elliptical interior layout and seven small chapels arranged in a radial pattern. The compact footprint of about 25 meters wide creates an intimate, focused environment for worship.
French architect Antoine Derizet designed and completed this church in 1751 based on a plan that mirrors Santa Maria di Loreto. Its creation followed a long tradition of baroque church architecture in Rome during the 18th century.
The interior holds medallions showing scenes from Mary's life, and statues of evangelists and prophets stand along the balustrade. These religious images shape how the space feels and draw your eye upward throughout the room.
The church sits at Piazza della Madonna di Loreto, about five minutes on foot from Colosseo metro station in central Rome. This location makes it easy to visit after seeing the nearby forum and other ancient sites in the area.
During World War II, the church basement offered shelter to Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution in Rome. This hidden chapter shows the role this place played in the city's life during that critical period.
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