San Giovanni della Pigna

Map
Church of San Giovanni della Pigna, Rome
San Giovanni della Pigna
Of ancient foundation, San Giovanni della Pigna is a 17th century confraternity church. The architect was Angelo Torroni, and this is his only church in Rome.

The facade bears the inscription: ARCHICONF PIETATIS CARCERATORVM, the Latin title of the Arciconfraternita della Pietà Verso i Carcerati, which rebuilt the church. 
High Altar, Church of San Giovanni della Pigna, Rome
High Altar
The interior comprises a single nave of three bays. The side walls have three shallow arched recesses. The main altarpiece depicts St John the Baptist in the Desert by Baldassarre Croce (1558-1628). ​
Three members of the Porcari family were buried in the church and their very interesting tomb slabs were preserved when the old church was demolished. The memorials are on the side walls flanking the entrance. 

The most famous family member, Stefano Porcari, was executed in 1453 on the orders of Pope Nicholas V (r. 1447-55) for organising a plot to establish a republic. To the right is that to Nicola di Eramo Porcari, 1362. To the left is that to Giuliano Porcari, 1282 with inlaid Cosmatesque work in porphyry and green serpentine. The shield features a pig, as you might expect from the family name. ​