Chiesa dei Re Magi

---

Map of the Churches of Rome

Chiesa dei Re Magi

---

The Chiesa dei Re Magi is the 17th century collegiate church of the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide. 

Palazzo di Propaganda Fide

The Palace of the Propagation of the Faith, which lies a short distance from the Spanish Steps, was begun by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) for Pope Urban VIII (r. 1623-44), but completed by his arch-rival Francesco Borromini (1599-1667). 

The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda Fide) was founded by Pope Gregory XV (r. 1621-23) in 1622 to arrange missionary work on behalf of the various religious institutions. In 1627, his successor Pope Urban VIII (r. 1623-44) established a training college for missionaries, the Pontificio Collegio Urbano de Propaganda Fide. 

The main facade of the palace was created by Bernini, but when Pope Urban VIII died in 1644 he was succeeded by Innocent X (r. 1644-55), a pope who preferred the work of Borromini. And so the commission was handed over to the new man, who went on to create the much more exciting and dynamic side facade. The palace was completed in 1667, the year of Borromini's death. 

Vault

Borromini also designed the exciting Chiesa dei Re Magi, which is part of the palace. Work began in 1644, but it was not entirely completed when Borromini died. 

The plan of the church is based on a chamfered rectangle, with two chapels on either side. The altarpiece in the sanctuary is a painting of The Adoration of the Magi by Giacinto Gimignani (1608-81). The painting above the entrance to the sanctuary is Christ Gives the Keys to St Peter by Lazzaro Baldi (1624-1703). 

Above the painting is the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VII (r. 1655-67), flanked by statues of Faith and Religion, all the work of the Roman sculptor Cosimo Fancelli (c. 1620-88). 

The two figures on the counter-facade represent Justice and Wealth, and are also by Cosimo Fancelli.

---