San Lorenzo in Damaso

Map of the Churches of Rome
Interior, church of San Lorenzo in Damaso, Rome
Interior
The ancient church of San Lorenzo in Damaso is believed to have been founded in the home of Pope St Damasus I (r.366-84).

The church was destroyed at the end of the 15th century for the construction of Palazzo della Cancelleria. It was rebuilt (1485-96) as part of the fabric of the palazzo. 
Nave, church of San Lorenzo in Damaso, Rome
Nave
San Lorenzo in Damaso has no facade; entry is through a simple doorway. Inside, a double atrium precedes the very wide nave.
Funerary Monument to Alessandro Valtrini, Church of San Lorenzo in Damaso, Rome
Funerary Monument to Alessandro Valtrini
​To the right immediately inside the entrance is a funerary monument to Alessandro Valtrini (1639), which was designed by Bernini.

The two large statues that flank the entrance to the nave depict St Francis Xavier (left) and St Charles Borromeo. 
Apse, San Lorenzo in Damaso, Rome
Apse
The painting on the high altar is the Coronation of the Virgin Mary (1568) by Federico Zuccari (1539-1609). Beneath the altar lie the relics of Pope St Damasus. 

The baldacchino was designed by the Roman architect Virginio Vespignani (1808-82). ​​
Coat of arms of Pope Pius XII, San Lorenzo in Damaso, Rome
Coat of Arms of Pope Pius XII
On December 31st 1939, a serious fire broke out in the Palazzo della Cancelleria, which spread to the church roof and caused serious damage. The restoration continued until 1944, which explains the presence of the coat of arms of Pope Pius XII (r. 1939-58).