San Marcello al Corso is a 16th century convent and titular church. It is dedicated to Pope St. Marcellus (r. 308-9), who, according to legend, was forced by the emperor Maxentius to work in the stables of the imperial postal service until he died of exhaustion.
The late Baroque façade (1682-1686) was designed by the architect Carlo Fontana (1638-1714) and is considered to be one of his finest works. The beautiful bas-relief depicting St Philip Benizi Refusing the Tiara is by Antonio Raggi (1624-86). It recalls the legend that the saint was elected pope, but did not consider himself worthy of being the Vicar of Christ. The statues of Pope St Marcellus and St Philip Benizi are by Francesco Cavallini (1640-1703). The allegorical statues of Faith and Hope, which recline on the split pediment above the entrance, are also thought to be the work of Cavallini.
The wooden ceiling in the nave has carved reliefs by the artist Giovanni Battista Ricci (1537-1627), better known as Il Novara after his home town.
To be continued...
Bas-relief of 'St Philip Benizi Refusing the Tiara' by Antonio Raggi