Santa Maria Scala Coeli 
alle Tre Fontane

Map of the Churches of Rome
Church of Santa Maria Scala Coeli alle Tre Fontane, Rome
Santa Maria Scala Coeli alle Tre Fontane
Santa Maria Scala Coeli alle Tre Fontane is a 16th century pilgrimage church at the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane (Abbey of Three Fountains), the legendary site of the martyrdom of St Paul the Apostle. 

A chapel originally stood on this site and it was there, in 1138, that St Bernard was saying a Mass for the Dead in the presence of Pope Innocent II when he had a vision. He saw angels escorting souls from Purgatory up a staircase to heaven, as a result of the grace of the sacrament. This led to the chapel being renamed Scala Coeli (Stairway to Heaven).

Between 1581 and 1584, the present church was built at the behest of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. The architect was Giacomo della Porta. 
Interior, S. M. Scala Coeli alle Tre Fontane, Rome
Interior
The interior is dominated by the ribless dome, which is dark blue with white stars.  
Mosaic by Francesco Zucchi, S. M. Scala Coeli alle Tre Fontane, Rome
Mosaic by Francesco Zucchi
The church contains a fine mosaic, which was designed by Giovanni De' Vecchi and executed by Francesco Zucchi. It depicts the Madonna and Child in the centre. To the left are St Bernard, St Robert of Molesmes (one of the founders of the Cistercians) and Pope Clement VIII. To the right are St Vincent, St Anastasius and Cardinal Aldobrandini.