Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi

Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi is a modern church building in Rome designed with parabolic arches and a striking double staircase. The entryway leads down to a crypt housing the baptistery and religious artworks, while stained glass by Marcello Avenali and Giovanni Hajnal fill the interior with light.

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.

Location: Rome

Inception: November 1, 1962

Architects: Bruno Maria Apollonj Ghetti

Architectural style: modern architecture

Website: http://vicariatusurbis.org/martiricanadesi

GPS coordinates: 41.91761,12.51897

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47