From Churches of Rome Wiki

Santa Maria in Campitelli Our Lady at Campitelli

9 Piazza di Campitelli

Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. History

The church was designed by Carlo Rainaldi in the late Baroque style between 1659 and 1667, replacing an older church on the site. Construction was ordered by Pope Alexander VII after the icon of the Madonna kept in the church was believed to have saved the city from plague in 1656 (or 1658). Exterior

The façade is made of travertine, and is dominated by strong vertical lines. This effect was achieved by placing large columns against the façade, without attaching them to it as is usually done on church façades. Interior

The shrine of Our Lady was designed in 1667 by the Maltese artist Melchior Cafà - it is sometimes also attributed to Giovanni Antonio de Rossi. The shrine has as a 'gloria', a architectural use of light for dramatic effect. It was made less than a year after Bernini's statue of St Peter in the Basilica of St Peter, and surely imitates this. The icon of the Madonna is small, only about 25 cm high. Tradition claims that it appeared miraculously in 524 at the table of Galla, a Roman woman who was helping the poor. It is said to have been carried in processions since 590. However, scholars have dated it to the 11th century, so the tradition is uncertain at the least. It is believed to have saved Rome from an epidemic in 1656, when it was carried in procession through the streets. There is a staircase behind the 'gloria' allowing a better view. You must ask in the sacristy if you wish to climb the stairs. The image was previosly kept in the Oratorio di Santa Gala, which has been demolished by stood at what is now the far end of the piazza. The location of this oratory, near the Portico d'Ottavia, gave the icon its name: the Madonna del Portico.

Note the Corinthian columns, which are beautifully made.

Works by Sebastiano Conca, Il Baciccia and Luca Giordano can be seen in the side chapels. Giordano has painted the portrait of St Anne.

Cardinal Pacca is interred in the church.

A tape-recorded guide is available near the entrance. Special notes

Since the time of the Old Pretender, the church has been a centre of devotion for the conversion of England.

The church is accessible to the physically disabled.