Santa Maria della Consolazione
al Foro Romano

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Map of the Churches of Rome

Santa Maria della Consolazione

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Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano is a 16th century confraternity and former hospital church.  The four statues on the facade were added in the 19th century and represent the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. 

The church's origins are linked to two events: The first dates back to 1385, when a nobleman, Giordanello degli Alberini, who was condemned to death, left two gold florins in his will so that an image of the Virgin Mary could be painted here to 'console' the condemned in their final moments, hence the building's name. The small icon was painted on the exterior wall of a barn belonging to the Mattei family, located just beneath the Tarpeian Rock, and remained there for almost a century.

The second event dates back to 1470, when, according to tradition, an innocent young man, condemned to death for murder, was hanged. When the rope tightened around his neck, it was discovered that he was not suffocating despite being dangling, and he was immediately released. The young man recounted that the Madonna had spoken to him, saying, "Go, for you are consoled!", and an invisible hand had supported him. The event made such an impression that a collection was soon started to house the painting inside a devotional church, which was built in 1470 with the approval of Pope Paul II (r. 1464-71). 
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The first church, which was very small, was built to a design by the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli (c. 1449 - c. 1494) and entrusted to the Archconfraternity of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which ran a small hospital nearby. It was called the 'Church of Consolation', because it was where the families of those condemned to death, whose sentences were carried out under the Tarpeian Rock until 1550, received spiritual support. The church was rebuilt between 1583 and 1606 to a design by Martino Longhi the Elder (1534-91).

The interior comprises a five-bay nave with two aisles. ​

High Altar

The high altar enshrines the original icon of the Madonna of Consolation.   

Cappella degli Affidati

Of all the chapels, the Cappella degli Affidati (third right) is, perhaps, the most striking, on account of its beautiful wrought-iron screen. The chapel was designed by the architect Antonio Ferreri; the paintings were executed by the Roman painter Giovanni Baglione (c. 1573-1643)). The altarpiece depicts The Adoration of the Magi, while the side walls display The Adoration of the Shepherds to the right and The Presentation of Christ. 

Mystic Marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria

The finest work of art in the church is, perhaps, the bas-relief in the Cappella Dondoli (first left). The relief depicts The Mystic Marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria and is the work of the Raffaelle da Montelupo (1505-66). The figure on the left has been identified as St Joseph.

Bas-relief of the Virgin and Child, Via del Foro Romano

Many people came to the church to venerate the icon of the Madonna of Consolation and their donations led to the foundation of a hospital. The hospital, which lies behind the church, is no longer operational; the building is now occupied by the local police department. However, a beautiful bas-relief of the Virgin and Child still survives above an entrance. 

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