From the outside Santa Maria del Popolo doesn’t look like it would be that interesting. Located in a small square, Piazza del Popolo, one should not judge this building based on its exterior appearances.
The origins of this basilica are quite unusual and incorporate a ghost. Not what you were expecting right? Well, let me tell you a bit more. Legend has it that the site where the church stands was once haunted by the ghost of Nero, who had been buried in that location. A walnut tree that people thought was bewitched grew out of this ground and was often full of black crows. Sounds ominous doesn’t it.
In 1099, Pope Paschal II ordered the cutting down of the tree and the disposal of its ashes into the Tiber River to dispel this myth. He commissioned the construction of this Romanesque chapel, which underwent enlargement in 1227 and later reconstruction between 1472 and 1477.
The church authorities requested artists to adorn the walls and ceilings of the church. These artists include Pinturicchio, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini, some of the biggest names of the time. Captivating tales continue to intertwine with the history of the church, making it a unique pilgrimage for history enthusiasts. Speculations persist that the church is haunted by Nero, with rumors of nearby residents being plagued by evil spirits and occasional sightings of the emperor.Go check it out and let me know what you think.
As you enter Santa Maria del Popolo, you’ll encounter the harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Raphael designed the Chigi Chapel, arguably the most famous chapel, for his friend and patron, the banker Agostino Chigi. You can see his tomb here in a usual pyramid also designed by Raphael. Unfortunately, Raphael and Chigi’s deaths in 1520 brought the work on the chapel to a halt. A century later, Bernini completed it upon the request of Pope Alexander VII, a member of the Chigi family.
The Cerasi Chapel, adorned with works by Caravaggio, exemplifies the church’s architectural grandeur. In 1600, Tiberio Cerasi, the owner of the chapel and treasurer under Pope Clement XVII, commissioned The Crucifixion of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul. Annibale Carracci, the artist, created the altarpiece depicting The Assumption.
The square earned its notoriety for public executions, with the last one occurring in 1826.
The 72-foot obelisk in the center of the square is an Egyptian treasure that has been standing there since the 16th century. Emperor Augustus brought it to Rome in 10 BC to commemorate the Roman Empire’s conquest of Egypt. Originating from 1300 BC, it originally stood in the Sun Temple area of Heliopolis.
Santa Maria del Popolo stands as a living testament to Rome’s artistic and religious heritage. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual traveler, the church’s historical significance and captivating artwork promises a memorable experience. Embark on a journey through time and creativity as you step into the sacred halls of Santa Maria del Popolo – an essential stop for anyone seeking the soul-stirring beauty of Rome’s cultural treasures.
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I hope that the travel guides, fun facts, and photography you find here will inspire you to explore new places!
