The Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church is located at the southern foot of the Campidoglio, one of the famous seven hills of Rome. The church houses a number of paintings by Pomarancio.
Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church Rome
Useful Information
The address of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano is Piazza della Consolazione, 94 (tel. +39 066784654). Bus: 30, 44, 44F, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 130F, 160, 160F, 170, 186, 628, 715, 716, 780, 781, 810, H. Opening hours: Every day from 06.30 to 18.30. Sunday from 10:00 to 18:30. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and Description
The Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church is located at the foot of the Rupe Tarpea, the steep rock wall on the south side of the Capitol Hill, from which condemned traitors were thrown down in Roman times.
In 1385, the condemned nobleman Giordanello degli Alberini had an effigy of the Virgin Mary affixed here to offer consolation to his fellow sufferers. It is to this that the church owes its name (Consolazione means “Consolation”).
The church was built in 1470 and completely reconstructed between 1583 and 1600, under the direction of Martino Longhi il Vecchio. The facade, preceded by a wide staircase, consists of two levels. The lower part, divided into five bays by Corinthian pilasters, has three doors and was designed by Longhi. The upper part, although in a different style, was designed by Pasquale Belli in 1827 and consists of three bays. Above the outer bays of the lower half are two large statues of saints on either side.
The interior of the church has three naves separated by pillars, three apses and five chapels on either side.
What to see Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano Church
Taddeo Zuccari painted the fresco cycle that has the “Passion of Jesus” as its subject (1556).
“Madonna with Child and Saints” (1575) was painted by Livio Agresti.
Near the main altar is a 13th century Marian icon.
The medieval fresco “Santa Maria della Consolazione” was restored by Antoniazzo Romano.
The “Nativity”, “Assumption of Mary” and “Events in the Life of Mary and Jesus” were painted by Pomarancio.