Gran Madre di Dio, Neoclassical church in Rome, Italy
The Gran Madre di Dio is a neoclassical church in Rome built according to the principles of ancient architecture. Its layout follows a Greek cross design with a large dome set upon an octagonal drum, flanked by smaller bell towers that frame the composition.
The church was commissioned by Pope Pius XI in 1931 to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the Council of Ephesus, an important event in Catholic history. This occasion prompted the creation of a new sacred space designed to commemorate that significant moment.
The name honors Mary as the Mother of God, a central figure in Catholic devotion and worship. Visitors entering find themselves in a space designed to reflect this spiritual focus through its architectural choices and decorative elements.
The church is located at Via Cassia 1 in Rome and functions as an active place of worship for the Roman Catholic community. Visitors should remember this is a working sacred space where respectful conduct is appreciated.
Eight large rectangular windows circle the octagonal drum and allow light to enter in a way that enhances the inner calm of the space. This window arrangement is a thoughtful design detail that visitors often overlook but that shapes the quality of light throughout the interior.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
