Santa Maria in Monticelli

Map of the Churches of Rome
Church of Santa Maria in Monticelli, Rome
Santa Maria in Monticelli
Santa Maria in Monticelli is a heavily restored 12th century convent church. 

In 1710, Pope Clement XI (r. 1700-21) initiated a project to remodel the church in the Baroque style. The architect was Matteo Sassi (1647-1723) assisted by Giuseppe Sardi (1680-1753). 

In 1725, the church was given into the care of the Congregation of Christian Doctrine (Dottrinari), a congregation of priests devoted to the catechesis. The congregation was founded by St César de Bus in Avignon in 1592. César de Bus (1544-1607) was canonised by Pope Francis (r. 2013-25) on May 15th 2022.  
Church of Santa Maria in Monticelli, Rome
Nave
​The nave piers are thought to encase the original ancient columns of the mediaeval church.
High Altar, Santa Maria in Monticelli, Rome
High Altar
The painting in the high altar depicts The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple by Alfredo Bea (1855-1950). The vault of the apse contains a 12th century fragment of a mosaic depicting the face of Christ the Redeemer. The arch of the apse sports the words: FVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIBVS SANCTIS (His foundation is in the holy mountains), the first line of Psalm 87 and a reference to the name of the church.