Santa Maria in Montesanto Basilica

Santa Maria in Montesanto is a Baroque basilica on Piazza del Popolo, between Via del Corso and Via del Babuino. Known as the Church of the Artists, it has served Rome’s creative community as a place of worship and reflection. Step inside to see its decorated interior, dome and altar, then compare its façade with the neighboring church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. The pair look much alike from the piazza, though their plans differ.

A church built for Piazza del Popolo

Santa Maria in Montesanto takes its name from a smaller church associated with the Carmelites of Monte Santo in Sicily, which stood on the site before it. Construction began in 1662 on the initiative of Pope Alexander VII, with Cardinal Girolamo Gastaldi overseeing the project. He was later buried in the basilica.

Carlo Rainaldi drew up the original design. Work stopped after Alexander VII died in 1667, then began again in 1673. Gian Lorenzo Bernini supervised the resumed work with Carlo Fontana’s help, and the church was completed in 1679. Its bell tower came later, in the 18th century.

The Church of the Artists

The basilica is also called the Church of the Artists because Rome’s artistic community has gathered here for worship and reflection. Its connection to artists is part of the place’s identity; Caravaggio’s original paintings, however, are not kept inside.

From the piazza, Santa Maria in Montesanto appears paired with Santa Maria dei Miracoli. The two Baroque churches are often called twins, but their plans are not identical. Seeing them side by side gives a useful sense of how a matched setting can contain distinct designs.