Santa Maria Regina degli Apostoli alla Montagnola

From Churches of Rome Wiki

Santa Maria Regina degli Apostoli alla Montagnola Our Lady Queen of the Apostles at Montagnola

75 Via Antonino Pio 00145 Roma Tel. 06 59 60 27 16

Modern church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. History

Construction of this church was started in 1945, and it was consecrated in November 1954. The architect behind it was Leo Favini, who worked with the engineer Giuseppe Forneris. The architectural inspiration was the Roman Baroque style, made with modern techniques and a modern flavour.

It's one of the largest churches in Rome, and Pope John Paul II (1979-) has elevated it to the rank of Minor Basilica. It's a parochial church, served by priests of the Society of St Paul.

Plans to build the church were laid earlier, by Don Giacomo Alberione, the founder of the Society of St Paul. Construction should have started in 1943, but because of the Allied bombing of the Roman suburbs, it was delayed until after the end of the war. Interior

The church has three levels: Sub-crypt, crypt and the actual church. In the crypt, there is a private church for the Congregation. It is possible to get permission to visit it.

It is constructed with a Greek cross plan, with a dome at the centre.

The mosaic altarpiece at the high altar depicts the Coronation of the Virgin.

The overall theme in the decorations, both mosaics, frescoes and sculpture, is scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin.

There are three notable tombs in the church, those of : The Venerable Giacomo Alberione S.S.P., Sister Tecla Merlo and Blessed Timoteo Giaccardo S.S.P. (1894-1948) Special notes

The church has a carillon which plays at midday.

There is an official homepage of S Maria Regina degli Apostoli.