On Piazza del Popolo, Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli is one of the square’s twin churches. Its circular interior and octagonal dome distinguish it from nearby Santa Maria in Montesanto, whose layout is oval. Inside, look for the Madonna dei Miracoli image and the artwork on the walls and ceiling. The church’s name recalls a legend about a child rescued from the Tiber after his mother prayed before an image of the Virgin Mary. It is a quiet stop alongside a walk through the square.
The story behind the name
The church’s name is linked to a story set beside the Tiber. According to the legend, in 1325 a child fell into the river and his mother prayed before an image of the Virgin Mary painted on a wall. After the child was rescued, a chapel was built to house the image, which became known as the Madonna dei Miracoli.
The original chapel stood near the site of today’s Ponte Margherita. The story gives the image inside the church a particular place in the building’s history.
One of Piazza del Popolo’s twin churches
Santa Maria dei Miracoli stands beside Santa Maria in Montesanto at the southern end of Piazza del Popolo. The two churches are known as the square’s twins, though their plans differ: Santa Maria dei Miracoli is circular, while its neighbour is oval.
The church is also associated with the start of Rome’s three-road arrangement from the piazza. Via del Corso runs between Via di Ripetta and Via del Babuino, with the routes extending south from the square.
FAQ
Where is Santa Maria dei Miracoli?
It is on Piazza del Popolo in Rome, beside Santa Maria in Montesanto.
What is distinctive about the church’s layout?
Its interior is circular, unlike the oval plan of its twin church, Santa Maria in Montesanto.
What does the Madonna dei Miracoli story refer to?
A legend tells of a mother praying before an image of the Virgin Mary after her child fell into the Tiber. The child was rescued, and a chapel was built to house the image.
How long does a visit take?
Plan around 5 to 10 minutes for a brief visit and a look at the interior artwork.
