The Church & the Barberini Bees

Map

Santi Luca e Martina

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Three bees make up the coat of arms of the Barberini family. Although the bees have disappeared from the coat of arms of Pope Urban VIII (r. 1623-44, born Maffeo Barberini), which crowns the facade of Santi Luca e Martina, they are still to be seen buzzing about elsewhere on (and inside) the church. 

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Santi Luca e Martina

Dome

Interior of the dome

Interior of the dome

Stucco relief of St Luke, dome pendentive

Interior

High altar

St Martina by Nicolo Menghini

Bust of Pietro da Cortona by Bernardino Fioriti

Coat of arms of Pope Urban VIII minus its three bees

Three bees above the entrance to the church

Coat of arms of Pope Urban VIII

Symbol of Academy of St Luke, Santi Luca e Martina