Santa Maria dell'Anima Church, Rome
Santa Maria dell'Anima Church (Santa Maria dell'Anima) is a beautiful Renaissance church in the center of Rome. This has been the main church of the German Catholics of Rome for over five centuries. It has the typical German restraint and some meticulousness, which makes this church special among many other Catholic churches in the capital of Italy.
Church history
At the end of the 14th century, a hospital and an inn was built on the donations from German pilgrims at the site of the current church. They housed the Germans who arrived in the Eternal City. In 1431–1433, a small parish church, consecrated in 1446, was built near it. Soon the number of parishioners increased significantly, and in 1499 it was decided to build a new church. The first stone of its foundation was laid in 1500. The construction was completed in 1523, and the consecration took place on November 25, 1542.
The name of the architect is unknown, but the façade is attributed to Giuliano da Sangallo. For several centuries, the church experienced floods and destruction during the Napoleonic occupation of 1798. But in 1801 the temple was returned to the previous owners. The restoration ended only in 1843.
Architecture and interior
The church is a great example of the Renaissance architecture. The elevated façade is discreet, and only a modest triangular pediment is adorned with ornaments. The basilica is almost square according to the plan, it is divided into 3 naves, an apse and an elongated choir.
Inside the church there are many tombs of famous German Catholics. Among them there is the grave of Pope Adrian VI, adorned by Baldassare Peruzzi. The interior of the central nave, as well as the side chapels, is decorated with lots of frescoes. Among their most famous authors are Giulio Romano, Francesco Salviati, Carlo Saraceni. You can get to the hostel for German pilgrims through a small courtyard.
How to get there
The Santa Maria dell'Anima Church is located in the historic quarters of the center of Rome, on Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, 64. The Fountain of the Four Rivers is on the adjacent Piazza Navona and within walking distance there are the beautiful Palazzo Madama and Pamphilj. The nearest stop is Zanardelli, it is 200 meters away. You can get here by bus routes 30, 70, 81, 87, 130F, 492, 628, C3, N6, N7, N25).
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 12:45 and from 15:00 to 19:00. Phone numbers for information (+39) 06 68281802, (+39) 06 6875636.
Free admission.
