Santa Maria in Domnica

---

Map of the Churches of Rome

Santa Maria in Domnica

---

Of ancient foundation, the church of Santa Maria in Domnica was rebuilt by Pope Paschal I (r. 817-24).

The portico was added at the behest of Pope Leo X (r. 1513-21), who had been the titular cardinal of the church. The arches of the arcades sport the heads of lions, a reference to the pontiff's choice of name. 

The church is also known as Santa Maria della Navicella, on account of the small stone boat that stands outside as part of a fountain. 

Inscription

The dedicatory inscription reads: DIVAE VIRGINI TEMPVM IN DOMNICA DIRVTVM IO MEDICES DIAC CARD INSTAVRAVIT. 

​The tympanum contains the coat-of-arms of Pope Innocent VIII (r. 1484-92) in the middle and those of Cardinals Giovanni de' Medici (the future Pope Leo X) and Ferdinando de' Medici to each side.

Nave

The interior comprises a nave and two aisles. The arcades have eighteen ancient granite columns, all with white marble Corinthian capitals, which are thought to be spolia from ancient buildings. 

Apse Mosaic

The chief glory of Santa Maria in Domnica is, perhaps, the mosaic in the apse, which was commissioned by Pope Paschal I.

The frescoes in the apse, beneath the mosaic, depict three episodes from the lives of St Lawrence and St Cyriaca. The work, created by Lazzaro Baldi (1624–1703), they depict: The healing of Saint Cyriaca; The washing of the feet and The Distribution of Goods to the Poor.

High up on the nave walls, just below the ceiling, is a rather charming frieze, the work of the Florentine painter Pierino del Vaga (1501-47) to a design by Giulio Romano (1499-1546). ​

Wooden Ceiling

The beautiful coffered wooden ceiling (1566) in the nave was provided by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici, whose coat of arms adorns the central panel.  The inscription reads: FERDIN MEDICES CARD TEMPLI ORNAMENT MEMORIAEQ LEONIS X RENOVANDAE F PII V ANNO I (Ferdinando de' Medici for the decoration of the temple and the renewal of the memory of Leo X did this, in the first year of Pius V). 

Noah's Ark Panel

The two other large panels depict Noah's Ark, with the dove returning and the text: SPES NOSTRA SALVE (Hail, Our Hope), and a boat symbolising the Church. 

Ceiling Panel

The boat is carrying a circular Classical temple,  the door of which is open to reveal the Blessed Sacrament displayed in a monstrance. The text on the temple reads: DOMINVS FIRMAMENTVM (The Lord is my strength). ​​​

---