Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
At the southern end of Piazza del Popolo, two nearly identical churches stand as a testament to Baroque architecture and urban planning: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. These twin churches, built in the late 17th century, form part of the visual harmony of the Tridente, the three streets radiating from the piazza: Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, and Via di Ripetta.
The Genesis of the Twin Churches
The project for the twin churches was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII and designed by Carlo Rainaldi, though Bernini and Carlo Fontana also contributed to their completion. Built between 1662 and 1679, these churches were meant to emphasize the entrance to the city from the northern gate, once the starting point for travelers arriving from Florence and other northern cities.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto
Although the churches look almost identical, there are subtle differences:
- Santa Maria dei Miracoli: Located on the right (when facing the piazza), it has a more circular dome, and its name refers to a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary housed inside.
- Santa Maria in Montesanto: Positioned on the left, this church features an oval dome. It’s also known as the “Artists’ Church,” as it is associated with Rome’s artistic community and frequently hosts concerts.
Curiosities and Differences
- Asymmetry: Despite their apparent symmetry, the churches differ in the shape of their domes—one circular and the other elliptical—due to space constraints. This clever architectural trick creates balance from the perspective of the viewer in the piazza.
- Cultural Role: Santa Maria in Montesanto is known for hosting Messa degli Artisti (Artists’ Mass), a tradition that honors Rome’s artistic heritage.
The Piazza and the Tridente
The twin churches mark the beginning of the Tridente, three important streets that form a trident-like shape: Via del Corso (the central street), Via del Babuino, and Via di Ripetta. This area is rich with history and connects many of Rome’s famous landmarks.
At the center of Piazza del Popolo stands the Flaminio Obelisk, a 24-meter-tall Egyptian obelisk dating back to the 13th century BC, brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus and initially placed in the Circus Maximus before being moved to its current location in 1589 by Pope Sixtus V.
An Introduction to Santa Maria del Popolo
While the twin churches dominate the southern end of the piazza, Santa Maria del Popolo, located at the northern end, is another must-see. This Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece houses works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. We’ll explore more about this church in a future post, but it’s worth mentioning for its historical and artistic significance.
For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, Piazza del Popolo is easily accessible and offers a fascinating insight into Rome’s architectural and artistic heritage
