Santa Maria in Via Lata

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Map

Santa Maria in Via Lata

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Of ancient foundation, the present church of Santa Maria in Via Lata was largely created in the 17th century. 

The beautiful facade and loggia were added by Pietro da Cortona (1596-1669). The dedicatory inscription reads: DEIPARAE · VIRGINI · SEMPER · IMMACVLATAE · M · DC · LXII (To the God-bearing Virgin Always Immaculate 1662).

The elegant bell tower was designed by Martino Longhi the Elder (1534-91) and built in 1580.  

Nave

The richly ornate interior was designed by Cosimo Fanzago (1591-1678), a Neapolitan architect and sculptor.

Unusually for a 17th century church in Rome, the choir stalls are situated in front of the sanctuary instead of behind the high altar. The amusing trompe l'oeil fresco in the ceiling above the choir is the work of Viviano Codazzi.  

Over the high altar, in a very elaborate frame, is an ancient (12th century) and much venerated icon of the Virgin Mary, which is inscribed: FONS LVCIS STELA MARIS (Font of light, Star of the sea). It is signed Petrus Pictor.

Relief of St Paul, St Peter and St Like by Cosimo Fancelli

Beneath the church are the remains of an ancient Roman building, some 250 metres long, which is thought to have been a warehouse. It is said that this was once the house of St Luke and that St Paul was kept here under guard after his arrival in Rome. In the room that was converted into a chapel, there is a beautiful marble bas-relief by the sculptor Cosimo Fancelli (c. 1620-88), depicting St Peter, St Paul and St Luke. ​

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