Santa Maria in Via

Map of the Churches of Rome
Church of Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Santa Maria in Via
Of ancient foundation, the church of Santa Maria in Via was built between 1491 and 1513, at the behest of Pope Innocent VIII (r. 1484-92). The church was granted to the Order of the Servants of Mary, better known as the Servites, by Pope Leo X (r. 1513-1521). 
Facade Inscription, Church of Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Facade Inscription
The facade was designed by Giacomo della Porta (1532-1602), but completed by Carlo Rainaldi (1611-91) in 1681. The inscription proclaims: DEO · IN · HON · MARIAE · VIRGINIS · MATRIS · DEI · DD · A · MCCLVI (Dedicated to God in honour of Mary, Virgin and Mother of God, 1256). The date refers to the year in which a miracle-working icon was discovered (see below). ​​
Monogram of the Servites, Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Monogram of the Servites
The beautiful monogram of the Servites, which takes the form of the letters 'S' and 'M' intertwined, is emblazoned in two stained glass windows. The Order was founded in 1233 when a group of seven Florentine merchants retired to Monte Senario, which lies a short distance to the north of the city, to lead a life of poverty and penance. 
High Altar, Church of Santa Maria in Via, Rome
High Altar
The single nave has four chapels on each side.

The high altar (1758) contains a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows (1763) by the sculptor Ferdinando Raggi.
The First Mass of St Philip Benizi by Giovanni Domenico Piastrini, Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Vault
The fresco in the vault depicts The First Mass of St Philip Benizi (1724) by Giovanni Domenico Piastrini (1680-1740). Philip Benizi de Damiani (1233-85), a Florentine, was one of the founders of the Servites. 
Chapel of the Well, Church of Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Chapel of the Well
The first chapel on the right celebrates the miracle of the Madonna del Pozzo (Madonna of the Well). The chapel is built over a well, which was once part of a stable yard belonging to Cardinal Pietro Capocci. On the night of September 26th 1256, the well suddenly overflowed. The horses were disturbed and the servants rushed out to find an icon of the Virgin Mary floating on the water. Pope Alexander IV (r. 1254-61) declared the event to be a miracle and ordered the construction of a chapel dedicated to the image.
Icon of the Virgin Mary, Chapel of the Well, Santa Maria in Via, Rome
Madonna del Pozzo (Madonna of the Well)
The 13th century (?) icon, which is painted on terracotta, is at the centre of the altarpiece. The chapel is also decorated with paintings of The Annunciation, The Adoration of the Magi and The Nativity by Cavalier d'Arpino (1568-1640).

The painting to the left depicts Cardinal Capocci Receiving the Icon (ca. 1600, artist unknown). 

The well is still in operation and water from it continues to be imbibed by the faithful.