Saint Mary of the People Church

Welcome to the parish basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, an architectural gem managed by the Order of Augustinians, located north of the famous Piazza del Popolo. This iconic religious building is surrounded by the magnificent hills of the Pincio and the Porta del Popolo, one of the gates of the Aurelian Walls and the starting point of the Via Flaminia, the most important road to the north. Its privileged position makes it the first must-visit stop for all travelers entering the eternal city.

This basilica, also known as Santa Maria del Popolo, houses remarkable works by masters such as Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Alessandro Algardi, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat, and Donato Bramante. The Baroque masterpieces painted by Caravaggio and his rival Annibale Carracci in the Cerasi Chapel are breathtaking. These paintings, created between 1600 and 1604, add an exceptional artistic dimension to this religious building.

The legend of the foundation of Santa Maria del Popolo dates back to the time of Emperor Nero and Pope Paschal II, who fought against the malevolent forces haunting the place. It is said that Nero was buried in the family mausoleum at the foot of the Pincian Hill. A massive walnut tree grew on its ruins and quickly became the haunt of vicious demons tormenting the neighborhood's inhabitants and travelers entering the city.

Concerned about this situation, Pope Paschal II fasted and prayed for three days, then received instructions from the Virgin Mary in a dream. He then organized a solemn procession and exorcised the cursed walnut tree, thereby liberating the city from the evil demons. On the site where the tree stood, the Pope laid the foundation stone of an altar and built a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Thus, the once-infested corner of Rome became a place of Christian worship.

The legend of the basilica's foundation has been passed down through the centuries by Augustinian monks such as Giacomo Alberici and Ambrogio Landucci. While the details may vary, the legend has gained popularity over time. The earliest references to Santa Maria del Popolo date back to the 13th century, but the church's archives were scattered during the Napoleonic era, making the beginnings of its history less documented.

The history of Santa Maria del Popolo experienced a renewed momentum in the early 15th century when Pope Sixtus IV decided to rebuild the church in a flamboyant Gothic style. The construction began in 1472 under the direction of the architect Baccio Pontelli. The basilica was completed in 1477 and personally consecrated by the Pope.

Over the centuries, the basilica underwent several modifications and additions. In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned Donato Bramante to build a new chapel, known as the "Cappella Chigi". Later, in the 17th century, the famous frescoes of the Cerasi Chapel were created by Caravaggio and Annibale Carracci, adding a new artistic dimension to the church.

The current facade of Santa Maria del Popolo is the result of the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who designed it in the 17th century. It is considered one of the most emblematic achievements of Roman Baroque architecture. The interior of the basilica is also remarkable, with its magnificently decorated chapels, sculpted altars, and stunning frescoes.

Today, Santa Maria del Popolo continues to be an active place of worship where regular masses are celebrated. Visitors can admire the artistic treasures of the basilica, pray before the altars and sacred icons, and discover the fascinating history surrounding this holy place.