Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi, Modern Catholic church in Nomentano district, Rome, Italy
Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi is a modern church on Via Giovanni Battista de Rossi, its flat-topped facade of pale vertical stone ribs widening toward a rough ashlar base. A long mosaic by Marko Ivan Rupnik runs down the centre, showing robed figures, a crucifixion and a lamb. Inside, pointed concrete arches rise to the ceiling above wooden pews, and the apse carries a curved yellow wall with red and dark motifs.
The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament commissioned this church in 1948, with architect Bruno Maria Apollonj Ghetti completing construction in 1955. It emerged during Rome's postwar rebuilding period and represents the era's approach to modern religious architecture.
This church serves as Canada's national Catholic church in Rome and honors Mary and the Canadian Martyrs who died in North America. The space reflects the connection between Rome and Canada's religious heritage.
Visitors should dress appropriately as this is an active place of worship, and interior photography may be restricted. It is best to visit outside of service times to view the architecture and artworks without interruption.
Director Federico Fellini chose this church for a scene in his classic film La Dolce Vita, where Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor plays on the organ. This memorable sequence has immortalized the building in cinema history.
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