Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori

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Map of the Churches of Rome

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The church of Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori (St Mary of the Seven Sorrows) was designed by Francesco Borromini (1599-1667) for the Order of Augustinian Oblates.

The church, which was begun in 1643, was funded by Camilla-Virginia Savelli Farnese, Duchess of Latera. Unfortunately, the money ran out and the church was never finished as Borromini intended. The interior was completed by the Roman architect Francesco Contini (1599-1669). 

Entrance

The unfinished curved facade is of plain brick. The single entrance provides almost the only decoration. The two lilies are a reference to the coat of arms of the Farnese family, which is made up of six fleur de lys. 

Interior

The nave is a long, narrow rectangular space with cut corners. Tall, regularly spaced Corinthian columns support an entablature, which follows the lines of the semicircular arches over the little rectangular apse and the two side chapels. ​

The altarpiece in the sanctuary depicts The Deposition of Christ. 

Tombstone of Camilla Virginia Savelli

On the left side of the nave, just before the sanctuary, is the burial place of Camilla-Virginia Savelli Farnese and her husband Pietro Farnese. The inscription states that the couple had the best of marriages.  

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