San Michele a Ripa

From Churches of Rome Wiki

San Michele a Ripa St Michael's by the River

Via del Porto di Ripa Grande 8 00153 Roma Tel. 06 68 96 626

Church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel. History

The church forms part of the complex of the Ospizio Apostolico, built in the late 17th century. Msgr. Tommaso Odeschalci, nephew of Pope Innocent XI, founded it the hospice to aid poor youths and abandoned children. It was designed by Mattia de Rossi.

It is also known by its older name, S Salvatore degli Invalide.

In 1693, Pope Innocent XII commissioned Carlo Fontana to enlarge the church and institution. Clement XII hired Ferdinando Fuga to continue Fontana's work, and to further expand the institution. The church was completed in its present state by Luigi Poletti in the early 19th century.

Today, the complex houses the Ministry of Cultural Assets and the Environment. After being abandoned for a period, it has been restored. It is served by diocesan clergy. Exterior

The church is part of the building complex. Interior

In Fontana's original plans for the enlarged church, it was to have a Greek cross plan. The project was modified to a T-shaped plan.

The ceiling has square fields with stucco decorations.

In one of the arms of the transept, there is an aedicula carried by Corinthian columns, with a statue of the Saviour by Adamo Tadolini. To the sides are statues of Sts Peter and Paul.

There are five side altars, with copies of famous works of art, such as a copy of Raphael's Transfiguration. Special notes

The feast of the Archangels is celebrated on 29 September.

As the church is part of the Ministry building, access may be restricted at times due to security issues.