The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale in the square of the same name was built in the 1940s. It replaced an older church, which had been destroyed during a restoration of the Porta Angelica. The current church features several works of art rescued from the older one.
A brief history of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale
The earlier church was called Santa Maria delle Grazie fuori Porta Angelica. It was demolished to make way for the new Via di Porta Angelica. The new church was constructed by Tullio Rossi and Franco Formari.
The church was renovated in the 1980s. The Chapel of Our Lady of Graces was constructed during in renovation in the 1980s.
What to see
The style of the three nave church is neo-Renaissance. The facade is characterised by three portals, with the coat of arms of Pope Pius XII over the central one.
Modern art
Giuseppe Ciotti painted the 14 frescoes depicting the miracles of the Rosary.
Umberto Colonna was responsible for the painting depicting the “Apparition of the Virgin to Pius V”. This event happened during the Battle of Lepanto, a naval battle that took place on 7 October 1571 during the War of Cyprus between the Muslim fleets of the Ottoman Empire and the Christian fleets (united under the papal banner) of the Holy League.
The coat of arms of Pope Pius XII decorates the ceiling.
Art from the old Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Byzantine icon of “Our Lady of Graces” dates back to the 12th century. It was restored in the 1980s.
Both the High Altar and the altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart were taken from the old church.
The painting “Madonna Showing the Child to St. Francis” is attributed to Carlo Maratta (1625-1713).
Practical information
Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 5 – Rome.
Phone: (+39) 06 39736274.
Admission: Free.
Hours: 07:45-11:00 and 17:30-20:00.